PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES

This section is headed by a Chief Pharmacist, who is supported by Central Medical Stores Pharmacists and other pharmacy candres at facility level.

Background:

The main aim of the department is to provide good quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medicines to the population of the Kingdom of Swaziland. A National Pharmaceutical Policy has been formulated and adopted to ensure that these medicines are readily available at all times and they are used rationally.

1. Establishment of the Medicines Control Authority
   The Medicines and Related Substances Control Bill establishes a Medicines Control Body that will control all medicines imported into Swaziland and manufactured within the country. The main objective of this is to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of all medicines used in Swaziland. This Medicines Control Authority will work together with the National Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance unit.
2. Inventory Control and Drug Management:
   In order to reduce drug wastage, an inventory controls in all the major facilities like the Hospitals and the Health Centres will be introduced shortly. Workshops on drug management for all healthcare providers will be undertaken in order to compliment the rational drug use strategy and reduce wastage of medicines.