Pharmacists can now prescribe HIV and TB medication

Pharmacists with specialized training are now authorized to commence and manage treatment of HIV and TB patients according to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

To dispense the Schedule 4 drug, which, by South African legislation, may only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor, the pharmacists must have a specific permit.

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HOW WILL THE PROGRAM HELP SOUTH AFRICA?

The program will aid South Africa in achieving its goals for HIV management, according to a statement from the Pharmacy Council, which has already successfully implemented it in other nations.

The statement said, “We believe the program will also help ease the burden on the nation’s clogged health-care system, allowing patients who are diagnosed the opportunity to be initiated sooner.”

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The TAC stated: “The difficulties we are facing in the country include individuals queuing for a long time in facilities, as well as the attitude of nurses in health facilities which chases away so many people from facilities.

Only 6.11 million people are taking antiretrovirals, but over 8.45 million people are HIV positive, according to Statistics South Africa.

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DISADVANTAGE OF PHARMACISTS GIVING OUT TB AND HIV MEDICATION

IOL reported that, the founder of the Women Arising Movement and HIV campaigner Mpho Mbeki-Ntoni said the court’s decision was a “big yes” in light of the long lines and stigma victims had to endure.

“The only part I’m worried about is how are they going to monitor the viral loads of the patients buying over the counter,” said Mbeki-Ntoni.

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“Blood samples are a very integral part of administering the ARVs because this is where you’ll be able to pinpoint that particular regimen of medication is working properly for that person. Things like viral loads, weight loss are all the things monitored in a face-to-face consultation.”