Pharmacist

Position Overview

The pharmacist, reporting to the Clinical Services Manager, is responsible for ensuring the safe, effective, and legal use of medications within the hospital. Key duties include monitoring medicine supply, dispensing drugs, reviewing prescriptions for safety and accuracy, advising on proper usage and dosages, counseling patients, and overseeing the management of medical inventory to maintain optimal stock levels and regulatory compliance.

Dispensing and Patient Care

• Dispense medications accurately and efficiently to patients as per prescriptions.
• Review prescriptions to ensure accuracy, appropriate dosing, and the absence of drug interactions or contraindications.
• Communicate with physicians regarding prescriptions to clarify ambiguities and suggest therapeutic alternatives where needed.
• Counsel patients and caregivers on proper medication use, including dosage, storage, timing, and potential side effects or adverse interactions.
• Ensure that patients being discharged receive the correct medications with proper dosing and instructions for continued use post-discharge.
• Provide answers to patient queries related to medications and general health concerns.
• Offer wellness and preventive health services.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all pharmacy operations comply with local laws, health authority regulations, and hospital policies.
• Secure and inventory-controlled substances in accordance with regulatory guidelines to prevent misuse or diversion.
• Verify the accuracy of labeling, storage, and dispensing procedures to ensure patient safety.
• Monitor for and document adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and take corrective actions as needed.

Clinical and Professional Practice

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to optimize patient medication therapy and outcomes.
• Teach and mentor healthcare staff on proper medication use, drug interactions, and new pharmaceutical practices.
• Stay informed of new drug developments, clinical guidelines, usage indications, and pharmaceutical legislation.
• Monitor the composition and preparation of disinfectant chemicals used in clinical settings.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

• Oversee pharmacy inventory to ensure optimal stock levels of medications and supplies.
• Use pharmacy management software to maintain accurate inventory records and monitor usage trends.
• Place timely orders and purchase medicines and supplies, ensuring proper documentation and stock rotation.
• Conduct routine inventory checks and audits to ensure accountability and minimize waste.
• Maintain organized and secure patient and inventory records for regulatory and internal review.

Quality Assurance and SOP Development

• Support hospital quality assurance and improvement initiatives through adherence to best practices and continuous evaluation.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and accreditation preparations.
• Draft, implement, and regularly update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.
• Ensure all pharmacy staff are trained on and comply with current SOPs and protocols.

Administrative and Operational Oversight

• Manage pharmacy staff, ensuring effective workflows, role clarity, and compliance with professional standards.
• Oversee the pharmacy budget and ensure cost-effective operations without compromising patient care.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure integrated patient care and medication management systems.
• Submit departmental reports as required.

Competencies, knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of pharmacology, therapeutics, and drug classifications.
• Ability to assess prescriptions for accuracy, interactions, contraindications, and legality.
• Skilled in providing clear instructions and education on medication use, side effects, and adherence.
• Competence in evaluating and optimizing medication regimens for better patient outcomes.
• Sound judgment in recommending or modifying drug therapy based on patient conditions.
• Proficiency in tracking, ordering, and storing pharmaceutical supplies.
• Skilled in pharmacy information systems, stock management software, and electronic health records.
• Accurate maintenance of records for prescriptions, inventory, controlled substances, and patient care.
• Understanding of legal frameworks governing pharmacy practice and controlled substances
• Experience in developing, implementing, and updating SOPs in line with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Clear and professional interaction with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Effective cooperation with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff for integrated patient care.
• Empathetic and culturally sensitive communication tailored to patient needs.

Personal Effectiveness

• Attention to Detail – Meticulous approach to dispensing and record-keeping.
• Problem-Solving – Quick identification and resolution of medication-related issues.
• Time Management – Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning – Staying current with new medications, research, technologies, and regulatory changes.

Qualification and Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, with a valid and current license from the Pharmacy Board.
• At least three years of experience in a busy hospital setting.
• Proven experience with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems and Medical Inventory Management Systems.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Must be physically capable of frequent pushing, pulling, reaching, and bending.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required by job duties

Interested individuals are requested to submit applications as soon as possible. Application for this position will be reviewed on rolling basis as such we will close this advert when we are in receipt of sufficient applicants.

Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital Malawi is a Christian (BCHM) mission hospital based in Blantyre that provides free orthopedic as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeries for children with correctable physical disabilities in Malawi. The integral mission for BCHM is “Healing the sick and proclaiming the Kingdom of God“

Apply Now