Parliament, Thursday, 21 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Health met with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) yesterday for a briefing on the council’s mandate, regulatory functions and its current priorities, including its role in regulating pharmacy education and practice.
In its presentation to the committee, the SAPC highlighted that a process is underway to review the Pharmacy Human Resources Plan for South Africa, to address several shortcomings. These include the pharmacist-to-population ratio, which is below the global average and the World Health Organisation-recommended ratio of 1:2 300; pharmaceutical services not offered on a 24-hour basis in most hospitals; and the unemployment of pharmacists, despite the present need for pharmaceutical services across South Africa.
Committee members were concerned about the failure to open hospital pharmacies on a 24-hour basis, which has a severe impact on the quality of services during the times the pharmacies are closed. The committee also questioned the SAPC about the shortage of pharmacists in rural areas. In its response, the SAPC said pharmacists are distributed in line with population data.
Committee Chairperson Ms Faith Muthambi was concerned about the council’s salary bill of R82 million, which is 58% of revenue. “I am happy about your positive financial position. However, there are several areas of concern, such as the employee cost, which is above the 33% norm. Is it sustainable?” she asked.
In reply, the SAPC said it depends on people for the service it offers. It has no other expenditure besides salaries. Furthermore, the salary bill is capped at 60% and it is closely monitored.
Members of the committee also questioned why patient information leaflets in medication packages are mostly in English and Afrikaans. The SAPC replied that this is the responsibility of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, but the law allows for any two official languages to be used.
Ms Muthambi said the committee’s engagement with SAPC is important, not only for accountability purposes, but also to ensure that the regulatory framework supports a responsive, ethical and patient-centred healthcare system that advances equal access to healthcare services for all South Africans.
She said: “The regulation of pharmacy practice and education is essential in ensuring that the public has access to safe, effective and quality pharmaceutical services. The SAPC occupies a critical role in safeguarding professional standards, promoting ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting the health and wellbeing of the public.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, FAITH MUTHAMBI.
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