4 September 2006 Joburg proudly celebrates Pharmacy Week Pharmacy Week is an annual event observed from 04 - 11 September. It is a partnership between National Health Department, South African Pharmacy Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. In an effort to make health services available to all its citizens, the City of Joburg identified the need to work closely with the private sector and academic institutions. This culminated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Joburg Health Department and the Wits University Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (School of Pharmacy) in November last year. As part of the MOU, certain clinics were identified for visitation by students studying Pharmacy, weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students are later required to make presentations of their findings during visits at clinics. "The City of Johannesburg boasts a pharmacy depot based in the Langlaagte area. The pharmaceutical unit is responsible for procuring and supplying primary health care drugs to all health sub-districts in Johannesburg" says City's Health Department director,Dr Refik Bismilla. All 96 City of Joburg's clinics (74 fixed clinics + 22 satellite clinics) get their drug supplies from this unit. Among others, tutors at the depot provide a two- year in-house training in Basic and Post Pharmacy. Two of its trainees have completed the Basic Pharmacy Training. The City of Joburg is proud to be part of this event. National Pharmacy Week is aimed at achieving the following: To support the use of affordable medicines To help to facilitate a relationship of trust between pharmacist/doctor and patient To raise awareness regarding the correct usage and storage of medicines To encourage communities to lead healthy lifestyles ENDS For more information contact: Nkosinathi Nkabinde Telephone: 011 407 - 6477 Or Aletta Suping Telephone: 011407-7271 Cellphone 082 467 9229