28 Jun Health Product literacy top of mind as SAHPRA announces online medicines directory
28 June 2022
The South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) is pleased to announce the launch of an Over the Counter (OTC) Online Medicines’ Directory for South African consumers and healthcare professionals. The domain name is https://medsinfo.sahpra.org.za and the portal is available on the SAHPRA website.
The OTC Online Medicines’ Directory will include as phase one, all OTC Schedule 0, 1 and 2 registered SAHPRA-approved medicines. These medicines are all available for purchase from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. In the case of Schedule 0 medications, these may be purchased from a pharmacy, supermarket, garage forecourt, spaza and convenience store. These medicines are all indicated for self-treatable conditions.
Pending uptake, SAHPRA will eventually look to include prescription medication, medical devices, and in vitro diagnostic products (IVDs) information on the site.
The OTC online mobile-friendly medicines’ directory will assist with providing the public and healthcare professionals with information on how to use these OTC products safely. A copy of both the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) where available and approved, and the Professional Information (PI) will be accessible via the site. A pack shot of the product in question for easy identification is also available.
“The objective of the site is to ensure that up-to-date and SAHPRA approved information pertaining to these medicines is easily and readily available to the consumer and healthcare professional. The site will include a search functionality to ensure prompt and easy navigation of all OTC SAHPRA- registered products in terms of product name. A company name search is also available,” indicates SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.
A link to the SAHPRA’s Med Safety App can also be found on the site. For more information pertaining to the Med Safety App, visit https://medsafety.sahpra.org.za.
Register for the webinar taking place on 30 June 2022 where this OTC Online Medicines’ Directory will be launched between 9h00- 10h30:
- Register here: https://bit.ly/otcreg
Learn more about the OTC Medicines Directory by watching the video below: