Beyond dispensing: Why South Africa needs to make better use of pharmacists to improve healthcare access

Healthcare access in South Africa is increasingly shifting towards prevention, early intervention and more accessible primary healthcare. Yet for many communities, accessing healthcare can still mean long waiting times, travel and delays in receiving care.

As pressure on the healthcare system continues, there is an opportunity to make better use of healthcare professionals who are already accessible within communities.

For many people, the pharmacist’s role has traditionally been associated primarily with dispensing medication. But the profession has evolved significantly. Pharmacists are increasingly contributing to medicine optimisation and adherence, chronic disease support, health screening and other primary healthcare services within their scope of practice.

According to Tanya Ponter, Pharmacy Director at Dis-Chem, pharmacists are equipped with skills that extend well beyond the dispensing of medicines.

“Pharmacists are trained to interrogate symptoms, review evidence and metrics that identify risk and make life saving decisions under pressure. Their expertise places them in a unique position to support patients beyond the traditional dispensing function and contribute to earlier intervention and better health outcomes.”

This evolving role is particularly important as South Africa looks for ways to improve access to primary healthcare. Pharmacists are often accessible within communities and can provide guidance, identify potential health risks and, where appropriate, refer patients to other healthcare professionals. What’s more, they are the most accessible clinical touchpoint for consumers and are always available to provide expert advice at no cost to patients.

“Expanded pharmacist-led services have the potential to reduce existing pressure on the healthcare system, with these professionals often being a first point of contact for patients in communities. Their presence can help address appropriate healthcare needs earlier and potentially reduce unnecessary demand on higher levels of care,” says Ponter.

With rising rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and HIV, pharmacists play an ongoing role in long-term wellness. To support complex patients who often take multiple pills, they offer guidance and medication reviews to simplify regimens and eliminate unnecessary or duplicate treatments.

Ponter states that the profession should increasingly be viewed as an integral part of the country’s primary healthcare ecosystem.

“Pharmacists should not simply be seen as the final step between patients and prescriptions. They can help bridge the gap between communities and healthcare by supporting prevention, identifying risks earlier and helping patients navigate the healthcare system, particularly when barriers make accessing other healthcare services more difficult,” Ponter concludes.