The Gauteng Department of Health has announced the opening of applications for their 2025 Pharmacy Internship Program. This offers an excellent opportunity for pharmacy graduates to gain hands-on experience in public healthcare, equipping them with the practical skills needed for their future careers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the internship post, covering eligibility, application processes, and the benefits of this program.
Overview of the Internship Program
The Gauteng Department of Health is committed to fostering diversity and equity within the healthcare system. The internship positions are available at various public healthcare institutions across the province, including district hospitals, regional hospitals, central hospitals, and specialist healthcare facilities. The program runs for 12 months, beginning after successful registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
Interns will be expected to adhere to the SAPC’s training guidelines and work in key areas such as in-patient care, out-patient dispensing, stock management, compounding, and patient counseling.
Application Requirements
To apply for the pharmacy internship, applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Z83 Application Form: This can be obtained from any government office or downloaded online from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) website [here](http://www.dpsa.gov.za).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicants must submit a CV that is no longer than four pages.
3. Academic Records: Proof of academic performance up to the third year of pharmacy study, or further if available.
4. Testimonial: A testimonial from a university lecturer must accompany the application, supporting the candidate’s academic and professional conduct.
5. Motivation Letter: This letter should outline the applicant’s reasoning for choosing specific institutions and how they would benefit from the placement.
6. Six Institutional Preferences: Applicants must rank their preferences for placement, choosing:
– Three district hospitals or district services,
– Two regional hospitals,
– One central or tertiary hospital OR one specialist hospital.
7. Identification Document: A certified copy of the applicant’s ID or passport equivalent.
Important Dates and Process
– Closing Date for Applications: Applications must be submitted by Friday, 27th September 2024. No late submissions will be considered.
– Application Delivery: Submissions can be made either by post or hand delivery:
– Postal Address: Private Bag X085, Marshalltown, 2107
– Hand Delivery: 45 Commissioner Street, Podium 2, Johannesburg
Contacts for Queries:
– Mr. Phauwe Mphahlele: 079 881 5690
– Ms. Thabisa Diko: 063 396 7102
Selection Process and Timelines
– Selection Period: Shortlisting and selection will take place in October 2024.
– Commencement of Internship: Interns are expected to start on the first working day of January 2025, aligning with the official date of their registration with SAPC.
– Offers of Employment: Successful applicants will receive their offers via email in November 2024.
It is crucial for applicants to ensure their contact details are accurate. Inability to reach candidates due to incorrect contact details could disqualify them from the process.
Eligibility and Disqualification Criteria
Applicants who do not meet the submission criteria, including failure to submit all required documentation, risk disqualification. Furthermore, candidates who fail their final exams or are required to take supplementary exams will be immediately disqualified from the process.
It’s also important to note that the internship period will not exceed 12 months. If interns fail their pre-registration exams with SAPC, the department reserves the right not to extend the internship.
Key Roles and Responsibilities During the Internship
Intern pharmacists will be assigned to various departments within the hospitals and district pharmacies. Here are the primary roles they will engage in:
1. In-Patients Pharmacy: Interns will be responsible for dispensing medication to patients in wards and ensuring proper stock levels in specialized areas.
2. Out-Patients Pharmacy: This includes the dispensing of prescriptions for walk-in patients and providing necessary medication counseling.
3. Bulk Compounding and Prepacking: Interns may prepare extemporaneous mixtures and disinfectants, and repackage medicines for patient use.
4. Patient Care: Pharmacy interns will also participate in ward rounds, engaging with medical and nursing staff regarding medication management.
Institutions Available for Placement
There are 63 funded posts available across multiple healthcare facilities in Gauteng. Here are some notable institutions offering internship posts:
– Central Hospitals: Charlotte Maxeke Hospital (10 posts), Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (8 posts), Steve Biko Hospital (6 posts), Dr. George Mukhari Hospital (7 posts).
– District Hospitals: Bertha Gxowa Hospital (3 posts), Jubilee Hospital (2 posts), Pretoria West Hospital (1 post), Tshwane District Hospital (2 posts).
– Regional Hospitals: Edenvale Hospital (1 post), Far East Rand Hospital (2 posts), Sebokeng Hospital (4 posts), Leratong Hospital (3 posts).
– Specialist Hospitals: Sterkfontein Hospital (1 post), Weskoppies Hospital (1 post).
Conclusion
This pharmacy internship program represents an invaluable opportunity for pharmacy graduates to contribute to the public healthcare system while gaining critical skills and experience. By working in diverse clinical settings, from tertiary hospitals to primary care services, interns will gain a comprehensive understanding of public sector pharmacy practice in South Africa. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly and ensure all requirements are fulfilled to increase their chances of being selected for this competitive program.
For further information or assistance, candidates are encouraged to contact the Gauteng Department of Health at the provided contact details【4†source】.
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