In South Africa, doctors can prescribe for themselves. This is because the Medical Control Council has not yet issued any regulations that prohibit a doctor from prescribing for themselves. Doctors are not allowed to prescribe any medication they have not been trained on and they are only allowed to prescribe a maximum of 3 months’ worth of medication at once.
Code of ethics and laws on physician self-prescribing in South Africa?
The Code of Ethics for the South African Medical Association states that physicians must not prescribe medicine for themselves or for their family members. Any medication prescribed by a physician must be in accordance with accepted medical practice and standards, and the patient’s clinical needs.
Doctors are not allowed to prescribe medication to themselves or their immediate family members except in cases of emergency.
It is also important to note that pharmacists are not allowed to supply any prescription medicines without a valid prescription from the prescribing doctor.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has issued rules which regulate how doctors should prescribe medication to themselves and their families. The HPCSA can impose penalties on doctors who do not comply with these guidelines.
