Medicines Dispenser - South

Main Purpose

To provide an accurate, timely, and qualitative dispensing service of drugs according to medical prescriptions and MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to improve the patient’s health conditions

Accountabilities

• Dispensing medication to patients according to medical prescription, ensuring the medication is labeled with the correct drug name, strength, quantity, expiry date, directions for use and additional required information and providing clear instructions and advice on how to take the drug, when, how long, how to store, possible side-effects and any other relevant warnings. Making sure the patient understands in order to ensure correct treatment.

• Adhering to MSF practice policies and procedures for dispensing medicines, in particular those relating to controlled drugs and ensuring respect of confidentiality in dispensing
• Placing accurate and timely orders with the central stock, maintaining minimum stock levels of medicines, checking expiry dates and storage conditions and ensuring no medicines or material are taken out of the dispensary without authorization
• Maintaining accurate dispensing records and regularly reporting them to his/her technical reference. Ensuring returned and out-of-date medication is safely removed to a well designated quarantine zone for unwanted pharmaceuticals, separated from the normal stock
• Organizing and keeping clean the dispensing area, ensuring cleanliness and care in handling medicines to avoid contamination and mix-up. Maintaining dispensary equipment, ensuring it is clean, accurate and in a good state of repair.
• Maintaining the integrity and security of the dispensary by admitting only authorized personnel and ensuring that all medicines are stored as appropriate. Reporting immediately to the technical reference on any problem arising in the service (especially loss, robbery, quality problems with medicines (abnormal changes in colour, consistency, and odour) damage of medical equipment or medicines).
• Carrying out Patient Therapeutic Education (PTE) and interacting with patient using a patient based approach to accompany chronic disease (HIV, TB, etc.) patients along their visits. Receiving patients, informing about treatment and adherence, giving appointment for the next drug delivery. Informing the medical doctor in case of lack of adherence and identifying the reasons and finding solutions to improve adherence.
• Understanding, recording and informing on any complaint received from patients related to medicine use or side effects.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• Under the supervision of Pharmacy supervisor, managing the day-to-day operations at the Haifa Hospital maternity OPD.

• Manage safe and accurate dispensing of medications and medical supplies, and maintain compliance with local laws, regulations, and best practices regarding pharmaceutical storage, distribution, and record-keeping, handle the inventory of medications and medical supplies, including ordering, storing, and distributing supplies in a timely manner, ensure proper labeling and packaging of medications, ensure the proper storage of all medications, maintain a controlled environment to ensure medication efficacy and safety, and regularly check medication stock levels to avoid shortages or expired medications.
• Actively participating in the training, guidance, and on-the-job coaching by the Pharmacy Supervisor of daily activity including correcting disposal of expired or unused medications in accordance with safety standards and regulations, implementing the monitoring protocols for preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety in the administration of drugs, understanding drug interactions, providing advice and counseling to patients on proper medication use, potential side effects, and drug interactions, and ensuring they understand their treatment plans.
• Maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed, inventory, stock analysis, requests and donations, and preparing and submitting reports related to medication usage, stock levels, and pharmaceutical operations to the pharmacy supervisor.
• Working closely with multi-disciplinary teams (Nurse, MW, psychologist, CHE, SW, and registrar at the Haifa Hospital maternity OPD) to ensure the timely delivery of medications and medical supplies.
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team with medical, paramedical and other staff.
   

Requirements

Education

• Paramedical background

Experience

• Working experience of at least 6 months is essential

Languages                      

• English desirable and Arabic essential

Knowledge

• Essential knowledge of basic mathematics and use of measuring equipment
• Desirable computer literacy (word, excel)

Competencies

• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Stress Management