By Staff Reporter
Picture supplied
The Northern Cape Health MEC, Mr. Maruping Lekwene, welcomed the permanent absorption of ninety-nine Post Basic Pharmacy Assistant learners in the Department.
This forms part of the Department’s key strategy to ensure a more effective service regarding the availability of pharmaceuticals and the provision of pharmaceutical care in health facilities across the Province.
This move comes after MEC Lekwene announced during the 2022/2023 Health Budget vote that about ninety-nine (99) Post Basic Pharmacy Assistants would qualify in July this financial year and shall, upon conclusion of their studies, be absorbed in Primary health facilities.
“We are delighted with these appointments, as they will assist in building a resilient and sustainable system within health care facilities for service delivery, including COVID-19 vaccinations, to continue with minimal disruptions. Not only is this a push towards denting youth unemployment, this creates a career path that will also relieve nursing staff from focusing on dispensing medication and focus on patient care,” said an elated Lekwene.
The learners were recruited from their residential areas, as they are to work at facilities closer to home.
The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) made this milestone achievement possible in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 financial years. The learners were enrolled in the Pharmacy Assistant Learnership Programme.
Thirteen enrolled during 2020 for Basic Pharmacy Assistant Qualification and completed their Post Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification during 2021.
The remaining 86 completed their Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification in 2021. They were subsequently enrolled for the Post Basic qualification when HWSETA allocated funding for the 2021/22 financial year.
“To date, they have all qualified as Post Basic Pharmacy Assistants and will undergo training on our RX Solution System. This will enable the Department to keep a close eye on the levels of our stock and the rate of utilisation,” mentioned the MEC.
September marks Pharmacy month.
“Our team will embark on a series of campaigns focusing on, among others, reproductive health and family planning; chronic diseases, treatment and lifestyle modifications; pharmaceutical management of mental health; screening for TB, HIV, STI’s and other chronic conditions,” alerted Lekwene.
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