CERTIFICATION CEREMONY OF 99 POST BASIC PHARMACY ASSISTANTS FOR THE NORTHERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

In our continued effort to produce more pharmacy assistants in the Province, the Northern Cape Department of Health in collaboration with SJ Buys Academy hosted the graduation celebrations of ninety-nine (99) post basic pharmacy assistants at Regiment Drill Hall in Kimberley.

The certification ceremony was graced by Health MEC, Mr. Maruping Lekwene, Senior Management in the Department and the entire ninety-nine (99) graduates in the company of their families.

This milestone achievement was made possible by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), wherein these learners were enrolled into the Pharmacy Assistant Learnership Programme.

These Graduates were recently absorbed permanently in primary health facilities, upon completion of their studies in July 2022, to ensure a more effective service with regards to the availability of pharmaceuticals and the provision of pharmaceutical care in health facilities.

Their appointments has strengthened the primary health clinics as well as hospitals in executing amongst others: - medicine availability; availability of surgical sundries, proper stock management and record keeping; assisting in reducing nurses workload with medicine management.

“We hope that your graduation today will not only provide you with a clear indication that we truly appreciate and value you, but will also serve to motivate you to continue with your studies and the angelic work that you perform daily. So please know that your work is not only recognized but strongly applauded. We sincerely hope that your successes may further encourage others to share the responsibility of educating, caring and delivering quality healthcare services on a range of different levels.” - MEC Lekwene

The Department secured additional funding to recruit and train a total of 30 new students in the Post Basic Pharmacy Programme, in the new financial year.

“Currently there are only three provinces which has pharmacy schools, and northern cape is not part of. As a province, this is the ultimate direction which we will have to work towards. We further need Tutors who must mentor the trainees in order to enhance this programme.” - MEC Lekwene remarked

For enquiries, contact:

Mr Lebogang Majaha

Media Liaison Officer

Office of the MEC for Health

Northern Cape Province