9 REASONS TO JOIN THE HPA
Members of the HPA are entitled to a range of benefits including: media and advertising assistance, introductions to international distributor networks and access to a significant pool of information and resources, to name but a few.
1. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Acting as a united mouthpiece, the HPA will negotiate on behalf of the industry regarding any legal matters that affect the health industry as a whole. The HPA also obtains information from overseas regarding legislative issues, which is made readily available to its members.
The HPA is in constant communication with members of the Department of Health (DOH), including the Medicines Control Council (MCC), the Head of the Inspectorate and other appropriate people. The HPA (through the DOH) also has representation at Codex each year.
2. INFORMATION SOURCE The HPA has assisted in researching and preparing appropriate positive lists regarding substances e.g. nutritional, herbal, Chinese herbs, Ayurveda and homeopathy. |  |
3. COMMUNICATION CHANNEL
The HPA provides access to extensive mailing lists including health shops and leading pharmacies, complementary health companies and associated companies, DOH personnel, consumers, trade and key media related professionals. A quarterly electronic newsletter "HPA Headlines", is widely distributed to members, the media, trade, professionals, industry, government and other interested parties.
4. SELF-MONITORING TECHINCAL COMMITTEE (SMTC)
The HPA has a self-monitoring programme to assist in maintaining high ethical standards of production, quality control, marketing and advertising within the industry and in the market place. The HPA also ensures that good manufacturing procedures (GMP) are being employed today by sophisticated manufacturing concerns that are subject to the legislative controls of the Department of Health. Co-operation between the HPA and the Department of Health is very constructive. HPA members are encouraged to take their grievances against another HPA members or other parties to the HPA. The SMTC will assist in mediation. The HPA has a powerful influence with statutory bodies in getting companies to comply with agreed industry standards.
5. STAKEHOLDER NETWORKS
The HPA promotes co-operation between other associations, medical bodies and fraternities to encourage mutual understanding including:
- Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
- Allied Health Professions Council of SA (AHPCSA)
- Association of Dietetics SA (ADSA)
- Private Health Care Forum (PHF)
- Health Shop Association (HAS)
6. INTERNATIONAL ACCESS
The HPA is a member of the Brussels' based IADSA (International Association of Dietary Supplements Associations). International companies seeking South African distributors direct their enquiries to us. This information is disseminated to all of its members. Close contact is maintained with associated international bodies to help promote opportunities for export and import of products.
7. MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
The HPA has strong relationships with key media representatives and acts as a central information point to promote and co-operate with the media.
The HPA has an annual media presentation on the industry and is well positioned to circulate members' press releases, consumer editorials and trade information to the relevant media personnel.
Furthermore, the HPA engages with the DOH and ASA regarding the implementation of marketing codes for complementary medicine, offers individual members advice on labeling and advertising as well as guidance regarding advertising claims or company information.
8. CONVENTIONS AND SEMINARS
The HPA regularly provides an education forum for consumers, trade and professionals through seminars, conventions and exhibitions.
9. SOCIAL FORUM
Bi-monthly HPA General Meetings provide an information forum whereby HPA members are reliably updated on current legislative issues and other matters pertinent to the industry. HPA members can exchange information and get to know the leading role players and other stakeholders in the industry.
