South African Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang took aim on Thursday at doctors for holding protests against legislation regulating their dispensing of medicines. Doctors marched on Parliament earlier this year in protest.
She noted that about 500 doctors — of about 8Â 500 doctors involved — have completed required dispensing courses and obtained licences (after the payment of a fee) ahead of the June 2 deadline for licence registration in terms of the Medicines Control Amendment Act.
Noting that there has been “a great deal of debate” and “determined opposition” from a number of quarters in relation to the Act over two issues — the requirement that health professions other than pharmacists who dispense medicines acquire a licence; and the regulations on the pricing of medicines and the fees for dispensing medicines — she said a number of doctors have marched on Parliament “just carrying placards” without understanding what they are marching about.
In discussions with the doctors, some have acknowledged that they had not seen the legislation or the regulations applying to the matter, she told journalists at a media briefing at Parliament.
Tshabalala-Msimang could not say how many doctors will not be granted the licence. This involves such matters as whether the doctors have carried out the necessary dispensing course and paid the fees involved. Although she did not spell out other issues, one of them is cases where there is an oversupply of dispensers in a particular locality.
The numbers licensed so far are low, she acknowledged.
“This is despite the best efforts of the department for several months to encourage health professionals to register and complete the course. In cases where individuals submit their licence applications while doing the dispensing course, the decision on awarding the licence can be finalised within 48 hours of submission of proof that the course has been completed.
“We believe that the thousands of professionals who have registered for the dispensing course have every intention of complying with the law in the next month or two.”
She noted that the National Convention on Dispensing is challenging the licensing provision on constitutional grounds and the hearing is set down for next Monday.
“As government we are defending the action because we believe that the provision on dispensing licences cannot be construed as an infringement of the fundamental rights of health professionals.” — I-Net Bridge
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