Welcome to the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists — better known as SAAHIP.
If you’re reading this, you’ve either recently joined the Association or you’re considering it — either way, congratulations! You’re stepping into a vital space where pharmacists come together to lead, advocate, and shape the future of institutional pharmacy in South Africa.
But with any membership comes responsibility. And there’s no better place to start than understanding the SAAHIP Constitution — our guiding document. It’s the foundation of who we are, what we do, and how we operate.
Let’s break it down.
🏛 What is the SAAHIP Constitution?
The SAAHIP Constitution is the official governing document that outlines:
- How the Association is structured
- Who can become a member
- What rights and responsibilities members have
- How decisions are made and leadership is elected
- How branches function
- And how we handle finances and discipline
It’s not just legal jargon — it’s a blueprint for unity, accountability, and progress.
🧭 Why SAAHIP Exists: Our Purpose and Values
In the Preamble, we commit to:
- Unity: Recognizing the fragmented past of our profession and striving for cohesion
- Transformation: Embracing diversity and equity in the pharmacy workforce
- Service: Improving healthcare by strengthening the role of hospital and institutional pharmacists
“We are united and strengthened by the diversity and challenges of our profession.” — SAAHIP Preamble
🎯 Objectives of SAAHIP
According to Section 4 of the Constitution, our core objectives include:
- Promoting professional excellence: Supporting members’ educational and economic interests
- Raising standards: Enhancing the integrity and public image of pharmacy
- Advocacy: Representing members in matters affecting pharmacy policy and legislation
- Public health impact: Ensuring reliable pharmaceutical services in hospitals and institutions
- Inclusivity: Encouraging participation from all sectors of our diverse society
👥 Who Can Join? Membership Explained
SAAHIP membership is open to a range of pharmacy professionals through three main categories:
1. Ordinary Members
- Registered pharmacists (including community service pharmacists and interns)
- Must be a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA)
- Must choose hospital/institutional pharmacy as their primary sector
2. Associate Members
- Pharmacy students
- Pharmacist’s assistants (basic, post-basic, and learners)
3. Affiliate Members
- Members of the PSSA who belong to another sector but still want to engage with SAAHIP
Bonus Insight: Only Ordinary Members can vote or be elected to leadership roles — so if you want a say, make sure you’re properly registered.
🗳 Your Rights as a Member
Membership isn’t just symbolic. It comes with real benefits and responsibilities.
As a member, you can:
✅ Attend meetings and participate in discussions
✅ Receive official updates and information
✅ Use SAAHIP services and resources
✅ Vote, nominate, or run for office (Ordinary Members only)
Pro tip: Make sure your details are up to date in the Roll of Members (Section 8), so you never miss an important update.
🏢 Structure of the Association: How SAAHIP is Organised
SAAHIP is composed of branches, each representing a specific geographic region (see Schedule A of the Constitution). Each branch has:
- A Branch Committee that runs local activities
- Elected Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Treasurers
Branches operate semi-autonomously but remain accountable to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC is the leadership engine of SAAHIP and includes:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- All Branch Chairpersons
- Immediate Past President (ex officio)
These leaders are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and serve terms to ensure continuity and accountability.
🏛 Meetings and Decision-Making
Every year, SAAHIP holds an AGM where critical decisions are made. Here’s what you need to know:
- Each branch elects Councillors (1 per 10 Ordinary Members) to represent it at national level.
- Councillors have voting rights at General Meetings.
- Important motions — including Constitutional amendments — must be submitted in writing months in advance.
If there’s urgent business or widespread member demand, the NEC can call a Special General Meeting (SGM).
Did you know? It takes a two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution. This ensures decisions reflect collective agreement, not just individual opinions.
💰 How Finances Work
You don’t pay SAAHIP directly — instead, a portion of your PSSA membership fee is allocated to SAAHIP.
Branches are not allowed to:
- Charge separate fees or levies
- Solicit donations without NEC approval
All funds must be:
- Properly accounted for (audited annually)
- Used in ways that benefit the Association and its members
Each branch has a Treasurer who keeps financial records and reports to the national body.
⚖️ Discipline & Professional Conduct
SAAHIP expects the highest professional standards. If there’s a concern about misconduct:
- An Investigation Sub-Committee looks into it
- If warranted, the case goes to a Disciplinary Sub-Committee
- Members can also be reported to the South African Pharmacy Council if regulatory violations are involved
This structure ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability.
🎖 Leadership Roles & Duties
President:
Leads the NEC, chairs meetings, and represents SAAHIP publicly.
Vice-President:
Acts in place of the President and supports key initiatives.
Secretary:
Manages communication, records, and member records.
Treasurer:
Handles all financial reporting, including budgets and audits.
All positions are democratically elected — which means you can be part of SAAHIP’s leadership if you’re committed and engaged.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
Understanding the SAAHIP Constitution isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s about:
- Knowing your rights
- Embracing your responsibilities
- Understanding how decisions are made
- And learning how you can contribute to shaping the future of pharmacy in South Africa
So don’t just be a member on paper — be an active, informed, and inspired part of this professional movement.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are SAAHIP.
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