Dispensing Course

Focus on Health Dispensing Course

Focus on Health has been presenting dispensing course workshops since 2005. Our knowledge and experience base are enhanced through being a co-opted member of the National Convention on Dispensing (NCD) who regularly interacts with the Department of Health (DOH) on dispensing related issues and supporting many dispensing practices with medicine sales and profitability analyses, as well as staff training.

When completing your course with Focus on Health you can receive the following supplementary services:

Assistance with your dispensing license application
Personalised support throughout the application process
Free access to the online Dispensing Compliance Tool (DCT) for three months

Special provision is also made for clinical trail doctors and specialists in terms of scheduling.

We understand that it is also an issue of horses for courses when it comes to choosing a dispensing course. And that it can be quite a daunting task to decide which one to finally select. Therefore, if what we offer does not really suit you, we will recommend the course that best suits your needs.

Course content

Course content consists of the following:

The ethical and legal aspects of dispensing
Basic pharmacological principles
The three phases of the dispensing process as prescribed in the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act101 of 1965 as amended). Phase 1 being the evaluation and interpretation of patient information leading to a legal prescription, Phase 2 being the physical act of dispensing and Phase 3 being counselling to ensure safe and effective use of medicine and monitoring compliance.
Stock management

Delivery method

Workshop approach

Through this approach you are effectively provided with a deadline for completion of the course. In the run-up to the workshop, you will receive your study guide(s) and be introduced to the course through an introductory letter. Some pre-reading is required in preparation for the workshop.

The workshop allows for completion of formative assessments through add-on lectures on the application of basic pharmacological principles in phase one of the dispensing process, legal and ethical requirements related to dispensing, practical tips, and guidelines on managing your dispensary, the interpretation of key aspects of the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965) as amended and finally addressing the KEY issue; how to comply with the Medicines Act after you have acquired your license to dispense.

Sometimes a health care professional urgently needs to complete the dispensing course. In cases like this, we are able to recommend the course that best allows the achievement of this aim.

The fee for this option is R8 860.00 (VAT exclusive) depending on the venue. Please note that prices may vary depending on interest and special requirements.

Tailored to suit your needs

If you DO NOT want the workshop or online options, or have any specific requirements, please CALL us or complete the QUICK CONTACT fform to allow us to recommend the best option for you.

Once you have expressed interest in registering for the course, a detailed outline of course requirements and progression (THE PLAN) will be emailed.

One-on-one sessions via Skype / ZOOM OR in your rooms

These sessions are done on an individual basis.

An initial session introduces you to the course, its outcomes, assessments, and the practical assignment. During this session, a decision is taken on the frequency and duration of the following sessions: and in essence in what time frame you want to complete the course.

After completion of all formative assessments and the practical assignment, you need to sit for the summative assessment. This can be written in the comfort of your home or your consulting rooms as long as you appoint an invigilator.

The fee for this option ranges from R9 860.00 – R12 860.00.

Workshop schedule

A workshop schedule is NOT published to allow for the natural ebb and flow of interest in the course and needs that arise.

As a result, courses are scheduled based on interest expressed.

Based on past experience course are held in Cape Town and Durban every two months and Pretoria and Johannesburg every second week.

Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Gqeberha / East London twice a year.

Focus on Health Dispensing Course

Course content