Pharmacy Technician at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP), Kampala, Uganda
Job Description
The Pharmacy Technician performs the technical, non-judgmental aspects of investigational products (IP) preparation, distribution, record keeping and inventory control. Tasks are subject to sequential or final verification by the Pharmacist of Record. The Pharmacy technician must support and adhere to Good Clinical Practices/Human Subjects Protection (GCP/HSP) and Pharmacy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
To dispense investigational products according to the research protocol, aiming to ensure the safety of the volunteer/participant and the viability of products at all times.
Assists in generating labels and worksheets necessary for preparation and shipment of investigational products to office and field clinics
Receives prescriptions and checks for completeness to ensure that all is in order, reporting to the prescriber in case of concerns or errors:
Gender as on file
Visit number corresponds to the vaccination schedule
Informed consent has been acquired and date provided
Pregnancy test is negative
Other test results according to the research protocol are in order
Name, date and signature of the prescriber are authentic
Makes up the appropriate IP for each participant according to the randomisation list and the relevant preparation procedures and checklists, affixing labels and storing used vials according to site SOPs
Ensures that the work environment of the pharmacy is clean and contamination free and that products are handled in a way that will maintain their viability and protect the safety of the volunteer who will receive them. He will clean the hood, refrigerators and freezers, workspaces as stated in applicable site policy and procedures.
Pass prepared product along with the chain of custody Log to the emergency station nurse
Ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared and authorised according to the Pharmacy Operations Manual and research protocol i.e. log and date all investigational products being used and keep an accurate accountability log for protocol IP.
Receive and organize inventory of IP. Assist the PoR in ensuring that standard IP supplies are in adequate supply at all times i.e. Carry out a daily stock take of the Investigational Products, ensuring that the stocks correspond to the log, informing the Pharmacist in case of any discrepancies or stocks running low
Maintain current knowledge of the study protocol(s)
Maintain current drug information/investigational brochure and material safety data sheets
Maintain proper control documentation of IP including lot numbers, bottle/kit numbers and complete inventory control of IP
Assist in ensuring daily, weekly and monthly Pharmacy Quality Assurance activities i.e. outdated IP/drug check, room temperature, refrigerator temperature record forms, accountability logs etc.
Assist in ensuring that other necessary pharmacy quality control standards are being met
Maintain accurate accountability records of inventory, orders, shipments, dispensations and returns.
To dispense medicines and supplies according to procedures, ensuring that the safety of patients and the security of medicines are upheld at all times. Including but not limited to:
Receiving prescriptions and checking that all is in order, reporting to the prescriber in case of concerns or errors:
Volunteer ID number is on the prescription
Name, date and signature of the prescriber are authentic
Correct drug, dosage and administration schedule has been prescribed
Checking that prescribed drugs are not incompatible with investigational products and any other drugs that have been administered
Packaging up supplies for outreach programs according to orders from the pharmacist
Dispensing drugs or supplies as requested; packaging and labelling as appropriate
Entering all dispensed drugs and supplies into the stock control system (bin cards, logbook and computer system)
Producing monthly log of dispensed drugs and passing to the pharmacist
Carrying out daily spot-checks, and quarterly formal stock takes to ensure that the stocks of drugs match the bin card and computer records, reporting any discrepancies to the pharmacist
To manage the store of medicine and medical supplies ensuring that a full inventory is always in stock and that supplies are in good condition, including but not limited to:
Receiving drugs and supplies that have been delivered
Checking that the full order has been received and that the invoice matches the goods received
Following up in case of any discrepancies
Stamping invoice and passing to the Procurement Officer
Keeping hard copies of delivery notes on file
On a monthly basis checking the expiry dates of drugs and supplies.
To carry out other duties as requested by the PoR
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
Diploma in Pharmacy and registered with Relevant Professional council
2 years post qualification Experience is desirable
Research experience and experience in handling sterile products
Preparation of Sterile Compounds (adept at aseptic techniques),
The ability to maintain pharmacy equipment and records,
Broad knowledge of registered drugs (brand and generic),
Keen on maintaining accurate inventory and accountability of all products,
Keen on maintaining cold chain and responsiveness to events, as well as inventory and storage for expired drugs.
Other desired attributes
Experience in dispensing, primary health care and general practice.
Comprehensive and current understanding of common pharmaceutical products.
Ward/field environment.
The position may require working evenings and weekends. Concurrence with working in an Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) setting is required. Training for working in an ETU will be provided including regular training sessions for Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) outbreak work.”
Physical Availability:
The ability to live in Fort Portal and travel unexpectedly to research sites
Supervisory Controls:
The candidate will report directly to Pharmacist, and Technically to the Program Manager
