Guidelines
437 entriesNDoH Primary Healthcare STG
- Pneumonia, PneumocystisSee: Pneumocystis pneumonia . Click here to access the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare_V1.0_26 February 2026 Chapter 11: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV AND AIDS)_11.3 Opportunistic Infections, Treatment in Adult_11.3.14 Pneumonia, Pneumocystis→
- Post Exposure ProphylaxisPlease click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using. Click here to access the Primary Health Care - PHC Chapter 11: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficienc→
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis, Inadvertent (Non-Occupational)ICD-10 code: Z29.8 + Z20.5 + Z20.2 + Z20.6 DESCRIPTION Inadvertent (non-occupational) exposure to infectious material from HIV and hepatitis B sero-positive persons often requires clinical judgement and includes: human bites (requires hepatitis B, but not HIV prophylaxis) sharing of needles during recreational drug use consensual sexual exposure, burst condoms contact sports with blood exposure M→
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis, OccupationalDescription General Measures Investigations Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: Z20.6 + Z20.5 + (Z57.8+X58.92+Z29.8) DESCRIPTION Post exposure prophylaxis may prevent the risk of acquiring HIV and hepatitis B following a significant occupational exposure to infectious material from a patient (includes blood, CSF, semen, vaginal secretions and synovial/pleural/pericardial/→
- Post Exposure Prophylaxis, Rape and Sexual AssaultDescription General Measures Investigations Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: Z29.8 + Z20.5 + Z20.2 + Z20.6 DESCRIPTION Sexual offences are of grave concern and in particular to the most vulnerable persons including women, children and disabled persons. Sexual offences are physically and psychologically damaging to victims. The definitions of sexual offences are within the Cr→
- Post-Herpes Zoster Neuropathy (Post Herpetic Neuralgia)Post-herpes Zoster Neuropathy (Post Herpetic Neuralgia)→
- Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)Description General measures Medicine treatment Referral O72.0-3 DESCRIPTION Primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is blood loss >500 mL that occurs within 24 hours of birth. Secondary PPH occurs 24 hours to 12 weeks after delivery (late or delayed PPH). The most common cause of primary PPH is an atonic uterus. GENERAL MEASURES Massage fundus and expel clots from vagina. Empty the bladder. Two→
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP)Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using. Click here to access the Primary Health Care - PHC Chapter 11: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficienc→
- Pre-eclampsiaDescription General measures Medicine treatment Referral O11/O14.0-2/O14.9 DESCRIPTION A systolic BP ≥ 140 and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg with proteinuria, after 20 weeks of pregnancy (significant proteinuria defined as ≥ 1+ proteinuria). Pre-eclampsia with severe features is a life-threatening condition and needs urgent stabilisation and referral. The following indicate a higher risk of dev→
- Pregnancy, EctopicSee: Ectopic pregnancy . Click here to access the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2025-9_Version 1.0_26 March 2026 Chapter 6: Obstetrics and Gynaecology_6.1.1 Pregnancy, Ectopic→
- Pressure Ulcers/ SoresPressure Ulcers/Sores→
- Pressure Ulcers/ SoresSee: Pressure ulcers/sores . Click here to access the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_07 November 2024 Chapter 22: Medicines Used in Palliative Care_22.5 Pressure Ulcers/Sores→
- Preterm Labour (PTL) and Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)Preterm labour (PTL) Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) Prelabour rupture of membranes at term (PROM) PRETERM LABOUR (PTL) O60.0 DESCRIPTION Regular painful contractions: 3 per 10 minutes, occurring < 37 weeks of gestation. Note: Women with a previous spontaneous preterm delivery are at higher risk for preterm delivery in the next pregnancy. Refer the following high-risk case→
- Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease and AtherosclerosisPrevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis→
- Primary Health Care Medicine Reviews 2020 - 2023 (Infections and related conditions)The National Essential Medicine List Committee (NEMLC) performs reviews of the evidence for proposed treatment options for Infections and related conditions: The Committee has evaluated evidence for: Primaquine for Malaria Elimination Doxycycline as Malaria Prophylaxis Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare Level, Updated for the 2023→
- Prostate CancerUrology→
- ProstatitisGlomerular disease→
- PsoriasisPsoriasis→
- Psychiatric Patients - General Monitoring and CareDescription Recommendations for Specific Medicines Description Nursing staff are required to monitor users with serious mental illness between medical or psychiatric doctor visits. Regular monitoring with documented nursing notes in the file should occur monthly to 6- monthly depending on the severity of the illness and the risk of relapse, aggression, absconding or poor adherence, with referral→
- Psychosis: IntroductionDescription Psychosis is characterised by a loss of contact with reality, and may present with: Delusions: Fixed, unshakeable, false beliefs which are not in keeping with a person’s society, culture, or religion. Beliefs may be persecutory, referential, grandiose, religiose, erotic, or bizarre in nature. Hallucinations: Perceptual disturbances, e.g. auditory hallucinations, which are heard as voi→
- Pubic Lice (PL)Sexually Transmitted Infections→
- Puerperal SepsisDescription General measures Medicine treatment Referral O85/O86.0-4/O86.8 DESCRIPTION Clinical features include a temperature ≥ 38°C (usually ≥ 2 days after delivery), often accompanied by offensive vaginal discharge (lochia) and/or abdominal pain within the first 10 days postpartum. In post caesarean section (CS) cases, there may additionally be tenderness around the CS wound and offensive→
- Pulmonary Oedema, AcuteDescription Emergency Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: J81 DESCRIPTION A life-threatening condition with abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Common causes include acute heart failure and acute renal failure (e.g. acute nephritis). Persons with pulmonary oedema may present similarly to acute bronchospasm. It is important to distinguish this condition from an acute attack of asthma. EMERGEN→
- Pulmonary Oedema, AcuteCardiac Failure, Congestive (CCF)→
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)Pulmonary Tuberculosis→
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) in AdultsPulmonary Tuberculosis→
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) in ChildrenPulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)→
- Rapid Triage of Children Presenting with Acute Conditions in Clinics and CHCsAdapted from Pocketbook Care for Children. Management of Common Childhood Illnesses. National Department of Health. South Africa, 2016. www.health.gov.za/ and the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022: NDoH. Click on images to enlarge. The Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) triage process, presented above, should be a minimum standard of triage in community health centres.→
- References1 Long term Management (Stroke): Pollock A, Baer G, Campbell P, Choo PL, Forster A, Morris J, Pomeroy VM, Langhorne P. Physical rehabilitation approaches for the recovery of function and mobility following stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Apr 22;2014(4):CD001920. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001920.pub3. PMID: 24756870; PMCID: PMC6465059.-course analysis of randomised trials. Lancet. 2016 Jul→
- ReferencesReferences→
- References - HIV & AIDSPlease click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using. Click here to access the Primary Health Care - PHC Chapter 11: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficienc→
- References - Cardiovascular ConditionsReferences - Cardiovascular Conditions→
- References - Dental and oral conditionsReferences: 1 Dental rinses for prevention of COVID-19: National Department of Health: Affordable Medicines, EDP-PHC/Adult Hospital level. Medicine Review: Dental rinses as IPC for COVID-19, 20 May 2021. https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/content/standard-treatment-guidelines-and-essential-medicines-list 2 Dental rinses for prevention of COVID-19: National Department of Health: Affordabl→
- References - Emergencies and Injuries1 Cardiac pulmonary arrest – COVID-19 considerations: Resuscitation Council of South Africa. Advanced Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for Suspected Communicable Disease (Respiratory), 2021. https://resus.co.za/ Cardiac pulmonary arrest – COVID-19 considerations: Atkins DL, Sasson C, Hsu A, Aziz K, Becker LB, Berg RA, et al.; Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitati→
- References - Eye ConditionsEye Conditions→
- References - Family Planning1 World Health Organization. Reproductive Health. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. World Health Organization; 2015. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/181468/9789241549158_eng.pdf?sequence=9 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers (2022 update). Baltimore and Geneva: CCP and WHO, 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9780999203705 NDoH. National→
- References - Gastro-intestinal conditions1 Morphine, IM (adults): South African Medicines Formulary, 14th Edition. Division of Clinical Pharmacology. University of Cape Town, 2022. 2 Morphine, IV (adults): National Department of Health, Essential Drugs Programme: Adult Hospital Level STGs and EML, 2020-4. http://www.health.gov.za/ 3 Katz PO et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease→
- References - Immunisation1 Influenza vaccination: National Department of Health. Influenza Vaccination Guide, 2021. https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/ Influenza vaccination: National Department of Health: Affordable Medicines, EDP-Primary Health Care level. Scoping Review: Inactivated Influenza vaccines and egg allergy: A scoping review, 2023. https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/ 2 Influenza vaccination –National Institute for→
- References - Infections and Related Conditions1. Antivirals to treat varicella zoster, oral- adults (therapeutic class):Tunbridge AJ, Breuer J, Jeffery KJ; British Infection Society. Chickenpox in adults - clinical management. J Infect. 2008 Aug;57(2):95-102. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18555533 2. Artesunate, IV: Artesunate, parenteral: Sinclair D, Donegan S, Isba R, Lalloo DG. Artesunate versus quinine for treating severe malaria.→
- References - Kidney and Urological DisordersUrology→
- References - Medicines used in Palliative Care1 Palliative Care: SA Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICTTM-SA). Available: file:///C:/Users/27798/Downloads/Version-2-SPICT-SA-Dec-2020%20(3).pdf. 2 Sennosides A and B, oral: South African Medicines Formulary, 14th Edition. Division of Clinical Pharmacology. University of Cape Town, 2022.. Sennosides A and B, oral: Librach SL, Bouvette M, De Angelis C, Farley J, One→
- References - Mental Health Conditions1 Definition (Psychoeducation): Sarkhel S, Singh OP, Arora M. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Psychoeducation in Psychiatric Disorders General Principles of Psychoeducation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2020 Jan;62(Suppl 2):S319-S323. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_780_19. Epub 2020 Jan 17. PMID: 32055073; PMCID: PMC7001357. 2 Definition (Risk Assessment): New South Wales Government. SESLHDGL→
- References - Nutrition and Anaemia *New*1 Albendazole, oral: Steinmann P, Utzinger J, Du ZW, Jiang JY, Chen JX, Hattendorf J, Zhou H, Zhou XN. Efficacy of single-dose and triple-dose albendazole and mebendazole against soil-transmitted helminths and Taenia spp.: a randomized controlled trial. PLoSOne. 2011;6(9):e25003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21980373 Albendazole, oral:Mabaso ML, Appleton CC, Hughes JC, Gouws E. Hookworm (N→
- References - Obstetrics and GynaecologyReferences 1. Misoprostol (medical abortion): NICE. Guideline: Abortion Care, 25 September 2019. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng140 Misoprostol (medical abortion): WHO. Guideline: Medical management of abortion, 2018. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/medical-management-abortion/en/ 2. Morphine, IM (Incomplete 1st trimester miscarriage): National Department of Health, Essent→
- References - PainPain→
- References - Respiratory Conditions1 D'Amato G, Vitale C, Lanza M, et al. Near fatal asthma: treatment and prevention. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;48(4):116-122. 2 Salbutamol MDI (adults): Rodrigo C, Rodrigo G. Salbutamol treatment of acute severe asthma in the ED: MDI versus hand-held nebulizer. Am J Emerg Med. 1998 Nov;16(7):637-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9827736 Salbutamol MDI (adults): National Department o→
- References - Skin ConditionsReferences→
- Renal CalculiUrology→
- Respiratory ConditionsFor Coronavirus Disease-19. See COVID-19: Coronavirus disease-19 . Click here to access the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_07 November 2024 Chapter 22: Medicines Used in Palliative Care_22.4 Respiratory Conditions→
- Respiratory InfectionsSee Influenza See Acute bronchitis in adults or adolescents See Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) See Pneumonia Click here to access the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4-Version 1.0_16 September 2024 Chapter 17: Respiratory Conditions_17.3. Respiratory infections→