Pimart initiative: A landmark ruling for HIV treatment access in South Africa

THE Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled against an association representing a small group of doctors who sought to halt the implementation of Pharmacist-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (Pimart), increasing access to treatment and prevention medications for people living with HIV and Aids.

- ZELDA VENTER [e-mail]

This is an intervention premised on improving access to HIV and Aids treatment and associated medicines.

Given the shortcomings of earlier efforts, the South African Pharmacy Council (SACP), which regulates the pharmacy profession, launched Pimart with the goal of expanding access to healthcare for HIV first-line treatment. Since Pimart supports the fight against HIV and advocates for the right to access healthcare, the SCA determined that it was logically related to that goal.

The Independent Practitioners Association Foundation (IPA), in 2023 turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to stop the implementation of Pimart.

The court ruled against them in finding that Pimart is a necessary and competently designed intervention programme to support South Africa's efforts in providing access to patients diagnosed with HIV and Aids. It recognised that Pimart increases access to much-needed HIV prevention and treatment care, with an immediate benefit of improved quality of life and increased life expectancy for more persons living with HIV and Aids.