Editorial

Abstract

As we publish this special conference issue of the South African Pharmaceutical Journal, coinciding with the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists’ (SAAHIP) 37th Annual Conference, it is difficult to not reflect on the transformative landscape of pharmacy in South Africa. This conference theme, “Future Ready 5.0”, challenges pharmacists to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the human touch in pharmaceutical care. Pharmaceutical care is by definition a patient-centred practice, where pharmacists assume responsibility for a patient’s medication-related needs, ensuring that drug therapy is appropriately indicated, effective, safe, and convenient and at the lowest cost to them and their community. This definition has many moving parts, some moving faster than others.