Supreme Court backs pharmacist-led HIV treatment initiative in landmark ruling
Expanded access to HIV and AIDS treatment now a reality after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismisses appeal seeking to stop PIMART
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) has expressed its satisfaction following the Supreme Court of Appeal's recent ruling affirming the legality and essential nature of the Pharmacist-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (PIMART).
The court dismissed an appeal by the IPA Foundation, which had sought to overturn a ruling from the North Gauteng High Court that previously supported the implementation of this pivotal healthcare initiative.
The PIMART programme is poised to play a crucial role in South Africa's ongoing battle against HIV and Aids, as the country bears the unfortunate title of holding the largest number of people living with HIV globally.
Furthermore, with the world's largest HIV treatment programme in place, the SAPC views this ruling as a validation of their long-held belief that pharmacist-led interventions are not only necessary but also strategically designed to bolster the fight against HIV and Aids in South Africa.
Pharmacists with specialised training will deliver PIMART services that enhance access to much-needed HIV prevention and treatment. This move is expected to yield immediate benefits, significantly improving quality of life and potentially raising life expectancy for countless individuals living with HIV and Aids.
Early intervention through pharmacist engagement will also reduce the burden on the healthcare system by identifying HIV-positive patients before complications arise, allowing for timely treatment as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.
The SAPC emphasised that PIMART aligns seamlessly with the national goal of ensuring that 95% of those living with HIV are aware of their status, on treatment, and have achieved viral suppression.
By facilitating access to critical medications—including Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and first-line antiretrovirals (ARVs)—the initiative addresses significant gaps in care, supporting the country’s National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) for 2023-2028.
Collaborative efforts will now be made between the SAPC, stakeholders, and the Department of Health to swiftly integrate PIMART-trained pharmacists into primary healthcare services, including the provision of essential HIV testing and prevention services along with first-line antiretroviral treatments.
Despite the delays caused by prolonged litigation, SAPC remains optimistic that PIMART’s rollout will ultimately provide essential access to those South Africans who have historically faced obstacles in obtaining life-saving treatment and preventive care.
The need is urgent; the most recent reports indicate that over 5.9 million people currently receive antiretroviral therapy, yet nearly 1.1 million individuals remain untreated despite being aware of their HIV status. Over the last five years without PIMART, approximately one million new infections and an estimated 395,000 HIV-related deaths have occurred.
The potential impact of PIMART is vast, likely serving to curb the rising number of infections while enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals—including nurses and doctors—PIMART aims to streamline the process of HIV care and ensure all treatment aligns with national guidelines.
With the Supreme Court's endorsement, the SAPC is committed to delivering on the nation’s promises, including the pledge made by President Cyril Ramaphosa to reach the 1.1 million untreated individuals living with HIV by the end of the financial year.
IOL