Selling scheduled medications is illegal – warns Gauteng Health
Scheduled medications (ranging from Schedule 1 to 6) must be dispensed by healthcare professionals approved by the Pharmacy Act and licensed by the National Department of Health.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) issued a stern warning about the illegal selling of scheduled medications, saying unauthorised sales are against the law and endanger public health.
Recent inspections saw the department uncover multiple instances of medication sold unlawfully across the province.
Under SA law, only licensed pharmacies and registered healthcare professionals can legally dispense scheduled medicines. According to Section 22 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, the sale of such medications is restricted to licensed entities alone.
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Scheduled medications (ranging from Schedule 1 to 6) must be dispensed by healthcare professionals approved by the Pharmacy Act and licensed by the National Department of Health.
“The illegal sale of scheduled medication poses a public health risk because medicines stored outside prescribed temperatures above 25C° for long periods might degrade and become toxic,” said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She said that while unscheduled medications, like small quantities of paracetamol, can be sold over the counter, scheduled medicines need proper authorisation because of the potential health risks if mismanaged.
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Nkomo-Ralehoko called on all vendors to “immediately cease selling scheduled medication because it is a criminal offence” and stressed the need to comply with health regulations to protect community welfare.
The GDoH urged consumers to buy medication only from licensed pharmacies and report unauthorised sales to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority on enquiries@SAPHRA.org.za or 012 015 5465.
