The Dispensing Fee for Medications: The Negative Effects of Pricing Uncertainty on Pharmacy Practise in South Africa

This paper explores the contested issue of the dispensing fee for medications in South Africa. Focusing on the dispute between organised pharmacy and the Health Department, it follows the history of the negotiations, traces possible implications, outlines key perceived problems with the policy, and explores possibilities for its resolution. The paper draws on published data and documents from government and pharmacy representatives and supplements this with interviews with pharmacy owners and managers.