1. Introduction

This document outlines the Terms and Conditions of Membership (“Terms”) for the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea (“Society”). By applying for and accepting membership in the Society, all individuals (“Members”) agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Membership Categories

The Society offers the following membership categories:

• Full Member:
  
  • Registered pharmacists in good standing with the PNG Medical Board.
  • Eligible to vote, hold office, and participate fully in Society activities.
• Associate Member:
  
  • Pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and other individuals involved in pharmacy practice.
  • Eligible to participate in Society events and receive Society communications.
• Student Member:
  
  • Pharmacy students enrolled in accredited pharmacy programs.
  • Eligible to participate in student-specific events and receive discounted membership fees.
• Honorary Member:
  
  • Conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the pharmacy profession in PNG.
  • Exempted from membership fees and enjoy all privileges of Full Members except voting and holding office.

3. Membership Application and Approval

• All membership applications must be submitted to the Society in the prescribed format.
• The Society reserves the right to approve or deny membership applications based on the applicant’s qualifications, character, and adherence to the Society’s Code of Ethics.

4. Membership Fees

• Membership fees are determined annually by the Society’s Council and are payable in advance.
• The Society may offer discounted membership fees to certain categories of Members.
• Failure to pay membership fees within the specified timeframe may result in suspension of membership privileges.

5. Member Obligations

• Adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice in PNG.
• Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development (CPD) as required by the Society and the PNG Medical Board.
• Support the objectives and activities of the Society.
• Notify the Society of any changes to their contact information or professional status.
• Cooperate with any investigations or disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Society.

6. Member Rights

• Participate in Society meetings and events.
• Receive Society publications and communications.
• Vote in Society elections (for Full Members).
• Hold office within the Society (for Full Members).
• Access Society resources and support services.
• Seek advice and guidance from the Society on professional matters.
• Bring concerns or grievances regarding pharmacy practice to the attention of the Society.

7. Membership Suspension and Termination

• Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Society for the following reasons:
  
  • Non-payment of membership fees.
  • Violation of the Society’s Code of Ethics or Professional Conduct.
  • Conviction of a criminal offense that reflects adversely on the Member’s professional character.
  • Gross negligence or incompetence in the practice of pharmacy.
  • Failure to comply with the Society’s rules and regulations.
• Disciplinary proceedings will be conducted fairly and impartially in accordance with the Society’s established procedures.

8. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

• All Members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• The Society’s Code of Ethics outlines the principles and values that guide the professional behavior of pharmacists in PNG.

9. Data Privacy

• The Society will collect and use Member information in accordance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations.
• Member information will be kept confidential and used only for legitimate purposes related to the Society’s activities.

10. Amendments

• The Society reserves the right to amend these Terms from time to time.
• Any changes to the Terms will be communicated to Members in a timely manner.

11. Governing Law

• These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Papua New Guinea.

12. Payment

Credit Card Details

All credit card details are processed securely through our payment processor, the Bank of South Pacific Internet Payment Gateway (BSP IPG) and BSP Pay. The BSP IPG handles all VISA card payments, while BSP Pay provides an optional payment method for local PNG BSP card holders.

Payment Information

Payment information that you submit are encrypted and transmitted directly and securely to the payment processor (BSP IPG/BSP Pay). The payment processor uses your payment information accordingly with their privacy policy. We do not store any of your payment information apart from your country and addresses which we require for billing/shipping and to comply with tax and other government regulations

13. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved through internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the Society.

14. Severability

• If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed from the remaining Terms, which shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Contact

For any questions or inquiries regarding these Terms, please contact the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea at [insert contact information].