Pharmacists in South Africa have officially been given the green light to prescribe and manage HIV medication, following a major court victory that dismissed an appeal from a group of private doctors.
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) handed down its judgment electronically on 9 October 2025, ruling that the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) acted lawfully when it approved the Pharmacist-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (PIMART) programme.
The case was brought forward by the Independent Practitioners Association Foundation (IPA), a non-profit body representing private doctors, which argued that the SAPC had overstepped its authority by expanding pharmacists’ roles to include initiating HIV treatment, as per Smile FM. The group claimed the move was irrational and procedurally unfair.
However, the court firmly rejected the appeal, finding that the SAPC had followed due process when it first opened the proposal for public comment in 2021.
Justice Makgoka, writing on behalf of a unanimous bench, said the council had acted in accordance with both the Pharmacy Act and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. He added that the public consultation period was fair and transparent, dismissing claims of irregularity.
According to the judgment, PIMART, which allows qualified pharmacists to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and first-line antiretroviral therapy, plays a vital role in improving healthcare access.
PIMART is an essential intervention in the fight against HIV/AIDS,’ Justice Makgoka wrote, noting that the initiative supports the government’s constitutional duty to expand access to healthcare as outlined in section 27(2) of the Constitution.
The court dismissed the appeal with costs, a decision that now clears the way for more pharmacies nationwide to offer HIV prevention and treatment services.
The Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) welcomed the ruling, calling it a significant step forward for both pharmacists and public health.
“This judgment recognises that hundreds of thousands of people remain undiagnosed and untreated for HIV,’ the association said. ‘It allows for a collaborative effort between medical practitioners, nurses and now pharmacists in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
The ICPA praised the SAPC for its determination to defend the initiative, describing the outcome as a ‘victory for healthcare in South Africa’ and urged all health professionals to unite in their efforts.
“Patient care will surely be improved as the healthcare professions unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” the organisation added.
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Aiden Daries
Also see: SA government questioned over lack of funding for HIV vaccine lab technician
