A radiopharmacist is a pharmacist registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) with a designation of practising, who is a specialist in the field of radiopharmacy and is involved in the manufacturing, formulation, dispensing and distribution of radioactive compounds. These are specialised medicinal items which may be harmful if not correctly used or controlled. Radiopharmacists need to accept responsibility for their self-development and assessment of continued competence throughout their professional working lives and ensure that they train all the individuals involved in the distribution and utilisation of radiopharmaceuticals.

Part of the radiopharmacist’s duty is to develop, monitor and maintain the quality management system in the manufacturing, compounding, supply and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Medicine Compounding Practice (GMCP) as published by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)