5 September, 2003 Press Release Pharmacy – Making medicine work for you 7th September – 14th September 2003 Building on last year's campaign to ensure that every patient is treated with dignity and respect, this year's pharmacy week kicks off on 7th to September14th. This year's theme is "Pharmacy – Making medicine work for you". The City of Johannesburg, through this campaign and in partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa and other spheres of government, aims to highlight important aspects of a relationship between the pharmacist or medicine dispensing doctor and the patient. In line with good practice standards as laid down by the South African Pharmacy Council, a patient has the right to access information regarding the following: Why should I take medicine ? What side effects should I expect? When must I take medicine (before or after meals?) Is it right to share my medicine with someone else? The pharmacist or doctor's responsibility to inform the patient about affordable, safe and effective medication. Rights have a corresponding responsibility. As a patient: Treat health workers with courtesy and respect Do not expect your pharmacist to participate in defrauding your medical aid scheme or the state (government). Medical aid benefits are for taking care of you and your family. While not discounting the therapeutic benefits of traditional medicine, a statement recently issued by the Medicines Control Council warns the public to refrain from using medical products not registered with the organization. The continued use of these is bound to lead to fatal consequences or even death. ENDS For further details contact: Aletta Suping Communications Department: City of Johannesburg Tel: 407-7271 Fax: 403-3494 Cell:082 467 9229 E-mail: alettas@joburg.org.za