SAMHS Celebrates Women’s Month with a Focus on Advancement and Inclusion

In a powerful and symbolic gesture marking the conclusion of Women's Month, the South African Military Health Service coordinated a significant event on the 24th of August 2023. The event took place at the Military Health Training Formation Officers Mess and was dedicated to celebrating and recognizing women's contributions, with the resonant theme "SAMHS Capacity Building for Women in the DOD."

At its core, this gathering paid homage to the relentless efforts of women who valiantly fought for women's emancipation within the Republic. It was an acknowledgment of those who battled barriers, shattered stereotypes, and tirelessly worked to establish a foothold for women in spaces that were once considered maledominated. Their tenacity and determination paved the way for progress, making the event a moment of reverence for their unwavering commitment. The first feature of the event was to pay tribute to the trailblazers of the past. By honoring their struggles and triumphs, the event reminded all in attendance of the formidable foundation upon which they now stand. It was a chance to remember history's lessons and to recognize the pioneers who made today's advancements possible.

The event's purpose was not solely retrospective. It also embraced the future, embodying a second objective: to foster a platform for dialogue.

It highlighted the significance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of female employees, which directly impacts the broader scope of work-life balance and overall well -being. By acknowledging and addressing these crucial aspects, the event set the stage for a more supportive and equitable workplace for all.

This auspicious occasion signified the ongoing commitment to progress, the recognition of women's multifaceted roles, and the collective effort required to shatter any lingering barriers. It was a call to action, a reminder that while much has been achieved, much remains to be done.

This event will be etched in memory as a poignant and purposeful occasion. With a dual focus on honouring the past and shaping the future, it encapsulated the essence of Women's Month.

It celebrated the evolution of women's roles, recognized their unique challenges, and championed the importance of holistic wellbeing.

The momentum it generated will undoubtedly continue to propel the journey towards gender equality and empowerment.

Lt Col Precious Ncayiyana serves as the SO1 Pharmacy at the esteemed military institution, 1 Military Hospital, based in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria. With an impressive 20 year experience career in her field, she has accrued various qualifications to her name. She holds a Bachelors in Pharmacy from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Master of Business in Business Administration in Corporate Finance and Strategy from Cass Business School in London, United Kingdom among others. Her illustrious career, both within and outside the military, has afforded her numerous opportunities. Notably, last year she was afforded the opportunity to attend a symposium for healthcare professions working in the military in Belgium alongside the Surgeon General of the South African Defence Force to represent the South African military Health Service challenging journey she undertook to ensure her research met the high standards of the journal.

The importance of Bioethics and Health Law in Pharmacist’s Line of Duty briefly explained is an exploration of moral and ethical question surrounding medicine, science and health. She felt that she needed to create an awareness to healthcare professionals that they need to be well versed in all spheres in the medical ethics realm so that the gaps can be bridged and loopholes can be lessened resulting in less lawsuits that can be taken against the hospital and the various healthcare professionals involved. From a pharmacists perspective specifically she has mentioned that to eradicate medical negligence like wrongful dispensation of wrong medication and various medication errors, pharmacists should be able to liaise with the doctors and healthcare professionals for such errors to be eliminated.

As we concluded with Lt Col Precious Ncayiyana she gives words of encouragement to young professionals in the SANDF that “Nothing ever comes easy, you should work hard, wake up and show up.”

Her remarkable accomplishment has not only cast a bright light in her personal capacity, but also elevated the