The Increasing Significance of Urban Pharmacies in Public Health and Safety - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

The Increasing Significance of Urban Pharmacies in Public Health and Safety

2 mins read
p h

Subtitle: Examining the Evolving Duties and Responsibilities of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Support Staff

The Expanding Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Support Personnel

As global public health struggles persist, the function of pharmacists and pharmacy support staff has become progressively vital. In urban areas, pharmacies experience a 7% annual growth in the volume of items dispensed, emphasizing their crucial role in preserving public health. The recent Pharmacy Month offered a fitting occasion to recognize and comprehend the critical role performed by these professionals within our communities.

City pharmacies dispensed over 6.4 million items in 2021/22, and the number increased to 6.8 million in 2022/23. These figures highlight the indispensable nature of pharmacies in delivering healthcare services to the public. Some of the most frequently dispensed medications within City Health include those for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS management. Furthermore, vaccines constitute an essential component of extensive immunization programs for children.

This year’s Pharmacy Month theme aimed to inform the public about the varied roles of pharmacists and pharmacy support staff in providing primary healthcare services. The focus was on promoting immunization adoption and raising awareness about adverse drug identification and reporting, allowing for a deeper understanding of these professionals’ multifaceted responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Support Staff

Pharmacists’ duties extend beyond merely dispensing medication; they are also accountable for the proper storage and maintenance of medications, including vaccines and temperature-sensitive medication. This crucial aspect of their work guarantees that medicines remain effective and safe for use.

To enhance efficiency and minimize patient waiting time, staff pre-package medications for chronic patients. This practice not only assists chronic patients in refilling their prescriptions more quickly but also reduces waiting time for other customers, creating a more efficient pharmacy experience for all.

Advising patients on potential adverse reactions to medications and offering guidance on safely managing prescriptions is another critical aspect of a pharmacist’s role. This counsel is particularly essential for individuals taking multiple medications, as pharmacists can help detect and prevent dangerous interactions.

Importance of Proper Medication Disposal

Expired or unwanted medication poses a potential hazard to public health, and pharmacists actively promote their proper disposal. The public is encouraged to return expired or unwanted medication to their nearest clinic or private pharmacy for safe disposal. This practice helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets and shields the environment from hazardous substances.

Councillor Van der Ross underscores the importance of properly disposing of expired medications, stating, “Most of us have medicine cabinets or drawers at home, and it’s very likely that some of the items have expired. Let’s all do a thorough check and see what needs to be disposed of. Please also remember not to leave medication lying around, particularly if you have small children or pets in the home. Medication is designed to save lives, but if used incorrectly, it could potentially cause great harm.”

The rising volume of items dispensed by urban pharmacies is a testament to the growing role of pharmacists and pharmacy support staff in ensuring public health and safety. As primary healthcare providers, they tirelessly deliver essential services to the community. Pharmacy Month provided an appropriate occasion to appreciate these professionals and raise awareness about their vital roles in protecting our health. As global health challenges continue, the importance of pharmacists and pharmacy support staff will only become more pronounced.

Previous Story

Tackling Operational Challenges in South Africa’s Transnet

Next Story

Rising from Tragedy: A United Community

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.