Scheduled medications, from Schedule 1 to Schedule 6, must be dispensed only by healthcare professionals authorized under the Pharmacy Act and licensed by the National Department of Health.”
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has issued a strong warning against the illegal sale of scheduled medications, emphasizing the significant public health risks posed by unauthorized sales. Recent inspections across the province uncovered multiple instances of unlawful distribution, highlighting the need for strict adherence to the law.
Under South African law, only licensed pharmacies and registered healthcare professionals are authorized to dispense scheduled medications. The Medicines and Related Substances Act (Section 22) restricts the sale of these drugs to licensed entities, with scheduled medications (Schedule 1 to Schedule 6) requiring dispensing by accredited professionals under the Pharmacy Act and licensed by the National Department of Health.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urged vendors to immediately cease selling scheduled medications, warning that doing so is a criminal offence. She stressed the importance of complying with health regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of communities.
The GDoH has also called on consumers to purchase medications exclusively from licensed pharmacies and report any illegal sales to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) at [email protected] or 012 015 5465. Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that improper storage of medications could lead to degradation and toxicity, posing serious health risks.
