Licences provided for in Section 22C(1)(a) of the Medicines Act are issued to medical practitioners, dentists, nurses, and other health professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) to allow licence holders to dispense, or compound and dispense medicines, on prescribed conditions. Applicants must have completed a course in dispensing medicines which has been accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) prior to applying for a licence. Approved courses and training providers are published on the SAPC website www.sapc.za.org.

Licences issued in terms of Regulations made under the International Health Regulations Act 28 of 1974 are issued to medical practitioners, nurses and pharmacists for the purpose of administering the yellow fever vaccine at specific vaccinating centres.

Permits issued in terms of Section 22A(15) of the Medicines Act allow the permit holders to acquire, possess, use and supply medicines for conditions specified in an annexed list and in line with the Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List (STG EML). The permits issued in terms of Section 22A(15) of the Medicines Act enable permit holders to acquire, possess, use and supply medicines for the provision of immunisation services, family planning services, midwifery services and for the treatment of minor ailments. Permits issued in terms of Regulation 31 of the Medicines Act are issued to midwives and accoucheurs registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) to allow permit holders to purchase, acquire or keep for administration to patients Schedule 5 or 6 medicines for intra-partum care. Licences and permits are subject to conditions as determined by the Director-General.