Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
To participate in the preparation, documentation, and dispensing of drugs and other medical supplies to hospital units and clients.
The role requires a professional demeanour, excellent communication skills, and empathy to ensure that patients receive accurate counselling that promotes adherence to treatment and other medical guidelines.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Dispensing and Patient Care
Prepare, package, label, and dispense medicines against validated prescriptions or drug/sundry orders in accordance with national standards and C-CARE procedures.
Ensure all medicines are prepared and dispensed accurately and within the required timelines.
Prepare appropriate documentation and labels for all products in accordance with C-CARE Standard Operating Procedures.
Receive and evaluate prescriptions and orders from patients and/or hospital staff in accordance with approved departmental protocols.
Ensure all relevant information recorded on prescriptions complies with legal requirements and liaise with medical and nursing staff where necessary.
Verify that all medicines dispensed correspond with the prescription.
Consult the prescribing doctor whenever there is uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of a medication, dosage, or labelling instructions.
Check prescribed medicines for contraindications and potentially harmful drug interactions, including considerations such as pregnancy, to promote safe medication use.
Provide patients with appropriate information and counselling regarding their treatment.
Accurately communicate patient treatment information to other members of the healthcare team.
2. Stock Management and Monitoring
Monitor expiry dates of medicines and other medical supplies to ensure timely rotation and use before expiry.
Conduct regular stock checks and scheduled stock takes to ensure adequate availability of medicines and medical supplies, including drugs, sundries, and fluids.
Ensure that expired medicines and other medical supplies are not retained on shelves or in cupboards.
Physically check stock in relevant areas, including:
Theatre and Sterilization.
Pharmacy cages and dispensary.
Stock cupboards.
Wards, including OPD and IPD areas.
Ensure refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperatures.
Regularly monitor and record refrigerator temperatures in accordance with approved standards.
Ensure the safe and appropriate storage of all medicines, materials, and equipment.
Maintain adequate and accurate stock-taking records.
3. Documentation and Accountability
Maintain accurate data entries and documentation for all prescriptions and supplies to ensure effective accountability and stock management.
Maintain required records using approved tools and systems, including stock cards, Navision, and other relevant documentation.
Maintain a complete and accurate paper trail for medicines and supplies.
Take full accountability for drug usage within the pharmacy and report any misuse or abuse of medical resources under your care.
4. Customer Service and Communication
Respond to telephone calls in accordance with C-CARE telephone etiquette.
Assess the nature of telephone enquiries, provide appropriate responses, and refer queries to relevant staff members where necessary.
Maintain a professional, empathetic, and patient-centred approach when interacting with clients and colleagues.
5. Quality Assurance and Compliance
Dispose of expired medicines and other used or unwanted materials in accordance with C-CARE Standard Operating Procedures.
Participate in unit assessments and internal audits to support and maintain quality service delivery.
Ensure compliance with relevant departmental procedures, national standards, and organisational policies.
Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
Keep up to date with departmental and organisational communications through internal communication channels, noticeboards, intranet, and other relevant platforms.
Requirements and Qualifications
A Diploma in Pharmacy.
Must be registered with the Uganda Allied Health Professionals Council.
At least 2 years of working experience in dispensing.
Key Competencies
Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical dispensing procedures.
Excellent communication and patient counselling skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Good stock management and record-keeping skills.
Knowledge of medicine storage and handling requirements.
Ability to identify contraindications and potential drug interactions.
Professionalism, integrity, and empathy.
Ability to work effectively with medical, nursing, pharmacy, and other hospital teams.
Commitment to patient safety, quality service, and regulatory compliance.
How to apply