Victory

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has welcomed the National Convention on Dispensing (NCD) and the Affordable Medicines Trust’s win in the Constitutional Court.

“This victory is not about dispensing doctors getting their way. It’s about the patient’s right of access to affordable health care,” said Dr Kgosi Letlape, chairperson of SAMA.

SAMA has always supported the idea of ensuring a doctor’s competence to dispense, but the Association did have a problem with refusing a licence application based on arbitrary information.

The impact of this ruling means that competent doctors have a right to dispense. Those who apply for a licence and comply with all the requirements, will be granted licences.

“We welcome this ruling. It is a victory for patients to receive effective and affordable care. SAMA is very pleased that this right has been upheld,” Letlape said.

“Of course, we are very thankful that we live in a constitutional democracy. This ruling will ensure that the good practice of medicine will continue.”