About the SMLTSA

THE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Society (SMLTSA) was founded in 1951 after the amalgamation of the Natal, Southern Transvaal and Cape Societies.

Its purpose is to promote and regulate the profession of Medical Technology in South Africa. (Refer to the Mission Statement).

The aims and objectives of the SMLTSA are:

• to unite medical technologists under one body.
• to provide a professional body to cater for the needs of medical technologists.
• to advise and assist in the education and training of medical technologists.

The SMLTSA Constitution binds all those who are members.

How does the SMLTSA function?

Council of the SMLTSA meets once every 2 years. Council members are elected and serve for a three year period on Council. From its members it elects an Executive Committee which conducts day to day affairs.

There are currently 14 SMLTSA branches in South Africa and interested medical technologists can join any one of these branches.

Each branch elects its own committee, which communicates directly with the Executive Committee (EXCO) via the Administrative Office which is based in Cape Town. Branches are autonomous bodies acting within the SMLTSA Constitution. Any enquiries that SMLTSA members may have can be channeled through local branch committees.

The SMLTSA is the official voice of Medical Technology ensuring that the viewpoint of medical technologists and the profession is adequately presented when policies are being shaped.

MEMBERSHIP :

The SMLTSA has approximately Government-supported 1000 members. Members are self-employed or are employed in Government or laboratories, Blood Transfusion Services, Medical Schools and private pathologists’ laboratories.

INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS:

The SMLTSA is in contact with overseas medical technology societies, exchanging Scientific journals as well as other activities. Abstracts are available from the Administrative Office for interested SMLTSA members.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Perhaps the most important role of the SMLTSA is that of acting as an advisory and consultant body in the fields of education, training and employment. Members of the SMLTSA represent the profession of Medical Technology at meetings of educational, certifying, registering and employing authorities.

SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES:

Besides producing a scientific journal twice a year, the SMLTSA supports and sponsors a number of activities and special awards with the aim of promoting scientific knowledge and skills and encouraging original work by members. At regional, national and international level the SMLTSA organizes congresses and trade exhibitions which provide access to the latest developments and trends in technology. At branch level, regular scientific and social functions are organized to enable members to meet and exchange views.

FELLOWSHIP:

Fellowship of the SMLTSA is a recognized qualification, registerable with the Health Professions Council of SA. Fellowship is open to all Associate members and may be obtained by :

• examination by thesis, based on original work.
• possession of equivalent qualifications assessed on individual merit.

PROVEN RECORD:

• Due to the efforts of the SMLTSA the profession has become united and has advanced to the point where medical technologists may enter private practice. In 1991 the ethical rules were amended enabling Medical Technologists to practice independently.
• Salaries: since the inception of the SMLTSA negotiation has taken place to improve the salaries of medical technologists employed in government laboratories. In 1988 alone medical technologists’ salaries increased by more than 20%.
• Education: the SMLTSA promoted the idea of a National Examination. Before the formation of the SMLTSA in 1951, medical technologists had no formal training other than laboratory experience.
• The SMLTSA formulates education policy and actively advises education bodies on improving the standard of education and training.
• The SMLTSA has played an important role in the development of qualifications, from part-time diploma to the present three-year full-time diploma course.
• Regular inspection of laboratories is carried out by the Professional Board for Medical Technology to ensure the high standard of laboratory practice.
• Recognition at HPCSA level of medical technology as a profession has been achieved. Compulsory registration at the HPCSA makes us a recognized part of the professional medical team.
• CPD provides a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. The SMLTSA is active in assisting the HPCSA in devising a system of laboratory accreditation for South Africa.
• Recognition and accreditation of the Society’s journal "Medical Technology: SA" has been confirmed for the purposes of subsidies.
• SMLTSA members receive the Medical Technology SA journal twice a year (June / December) as part of their subscription to the SMLTSA.