E-drug: Policy on location of pharmacies
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I am interested in information in connection with the following research
project:
Research project: Models that can be used to regulate siting of community
pharmacies in South Africa.
One of the objectives of the South African National Drug Policy (1996) is to
ensure the availability and accessibility of safe, good quality, essential
drugs for all citizens. Research has, however, shown that there has been a
geographical maldistribution of pharmacies in South Africa for many years.
Such maldistribution can affect the availability and accessibility of
comprehensive pharmaceutical services. One of the ways the South African
Pharmacy Council is committed to improving pharmaceutical services in South
Africa is, inter alia, by monitoring and addressing the issue of pharmacy
maldistribution in the country.
The geographical distribution of pharmacies could be improved through the
introduction of a siting policy for community pharmacies. In order for such
a policy to be effective and in line with the constitutional rights of both
pharmacists and the public, the entire issue of siting will have to be
thoroughly investigated prior to the drafting and implementation of a policy
of this nature.
The Council is currently researching this issue. The aim of the research is
to develop and evaluate models whereby the geographical distribution of
pharmacies can be improved by means of a siting policy.
Any information pertaining to the following would be particularly useful and
most appreciated:
a.. siting policies currently or previously in place in South Africa
and/or other countries (particularly, but not limited to, those relating to
pharmacies or other health care facilities);
a.. copies or extracts from applicable regulations/legislation or
similar research projects;
a.. contact details of organisations responsible for siting; and
a.. contact details of organisations/persons who have undertaken/are
undertaking similar research/studies.
Please also forward this request to any organisations/persons that may be
able to provide additional information.
Thank you,
Mrs Rachel Fitzpatrick
Professional Affairs: Research
South African Pharmacy Council
research@pharmcouncil.co.za
tel +27-12 =96 321-1477
fax +27-12 =96 321-1492
P O Box 40040
ARCADIA
0007
SOUTH AFRICA
[Note from moderator: It is probably a couple of years since similar topics
were on E-drug so we give it a try again. I know that some countries do have
siting policies, e.g. Norway and I will snailmail you information on that.
What about Australia? Kirsten Myhr]
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