Pharmacist

JOB DESCRIPTION – COMMUNITY PHARMACIST

Job Title: Community Pharmacist
Department: Pharmacy
Reports To: Superintendent Pharmacist / Pharmacy Manager
Location: Medlight Pharmacy and Stores, 10 Lusada–Igbesa Road, Ogun State, Nigeria

Job Purpose

The Community Pharmacist is responsible for the safe, effective and professional delivery of pharmaceutical care to patients and customers. The pharmacist will oversee the dispensing and supply of medicines, provide appropriate clinical advice and patient counselling, support the delivery of community pharmacy services, supervise pharmacy staff, maintain appropriate records and ensure that pharmacy operations comply with applicable professional and regulatory requirements in Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities1. Prescription Review and Dispensing

• Receive, assess and clinically review prescriptions before dispensing.
• Check prescriptions for appropriate medicine, strength, dosage, frequency, duration and quantity.
• Identify potential drug interactions, contraindications, allergies, duplication of therapy, inappropriate doses and other medication-related problems.
• Clarify any prescription or clinical concerns with the prescriber where necessary.
• Ensure medicines are accurately dispensed, labelled, packaged and supplied.
• Provide appropriate instructions on the safe and effective use of medicines.
• Ensure prescription-only medicines are supplied in accordance with applicable laws and professional requirements.
• Maintain accurate dispensing and prescription records.

2. Patient Counselling and Pharmaceutical Care

• Provide professional advice on the appropriate use of medicines.
• Counsel patients on dosage, administration, duration of treatment, possible side effects, precautions and storage.
• Promote adherence to prescribed treatment.
• Provide appropriate advice on minor ailments and self-care within the pharmacist's professional scope.
• Identify patients who require referral to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

3. Clinical and Preventive Health Services

• Provide appropriate community pharmacy health services offered by the pharmacy.
• Support services such as:
• Blood pressure monitoring and hypertension screening
• Health checks and health education
• Family planning services within the pharmacist's competence and scope of practice
• Medication reviews and adherence support
• Lifestyle and wellness advice
• Other approved pharmacy-based clinical services
• Recognise red flags and appropriately refer patients for further medical assessment.
• Maintain accurate records for all clinical services provided.

4. Supervision of Pharmacy Staff

• Supervise dispensers, pharmacy assistants and other pharmacy support staff.
• Allocate duties and provide appropriate guidance to team members.
• Ensure staff follow pharmacy procedures and professional standards.
• Monitor the accuracy and quality of dispensing activities.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior staff where appropriate.
• Report staff performance, conduct or compliance concerns to the Superintendent Pharmacist/management.

5. Stock and Inventory Management

• Monitor the availability and appropriate storage of medicines and pharmacy products.
• Ensure medicines are stored according to manufacturer and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and identify products requiring replenishment.
• Check expiry dates and ensure appropriate stock rotation using FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) principles.
• Ensure expired, damaged or unsuitable medicines are removed from active stock and handled appropriately.
• Assist with stock reconciliation, stock counts and inventory control.
• Monitor controlled and other regulated medicines in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Report stock discrepancies, suspected diversion, damage or losses promptly.

6. Regulatory and Professional Compliance

• Ensure pharmacy activities are conducted in accordance with applicable Nigerian pharmacy laws, regulations and professional standards.
• Maintain appropriate pharmacy records and documentation.
• Support compliance with requirements of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for prescription medicines and controlled/regulated medicines.
• Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development.
• Promote safe and ethical pharmacy practice at all times.

7. Patient Safety and Risk Management

• Promote a culture of patient safety within the pharmacy.
• Identify, document and report dispensing errors, near misses and other medication-related incidents.
• Take appropriate action to prevent recurrence of identified errors.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for product recalls and safety alerts.
• Escalate serious clinical or operational concerns to the Superintendent Pharmacist or appropriate healthcare professional.

8. Customer Service

• Provide a welcoming, respectful and professional service to all patients and customers.
• Respond appropriately to customer enquiries and complaints.
• Maintain professional boundaries when providing health-related advice.
• Promote the pharmacy's services ethically and professionally.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive reputation for the pharmacy within the local community.

9. Pharmacy Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the pharmacy.
• Ensure the dispensing area and pharmacy premises are clean, organised and suitable for professional practice.
• Ensure appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed.
• Participate in pharmacy meetings and operational reviews.
• Assist management in identifying opportunities to improve pharmacy services and patient care.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from a recognised institution.
• Current registration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
• Current practising licence where applicable.
• Good knowledge of medicines, therapeutics and safe dispensing practice.
• Strong clinical and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and patient counselling skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Professional, ethical and patient-centred approach.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a community pharmacy.
• Experience providing pharmacy-based clinical or preventive health services.
• Experience supervising pharmacy staff.
• Experience with pharmacy management or dispensing software.
• Experience in stock management and inventory control.
• Additional relevant professional training or certifications.

Key Performance Expectations

The pharmacist is expected to:

• Dispense medicines accurately and safely.
• Provide high-quality pharmaceutical care and patient counselling.
• Identify and appropriately manage or refer medication-related problems.
• Maintain compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure pharmacy staff work safely and within their appropriate scope of practice.
• Maintain accurate pharmacy and patient records.
• Support effective stock management and minimise wastage and losses.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Contribute to the growth and development of pharmacy services.

Working Hours

Working hours will be based on the pharmacy's operational requirements and staff rota. The pharmacist may be required to work weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays where applicable, subject to the agreed employment terms and rota.

Professional Conduct

The pharmacist is expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, integrity, confidentiality and patient care and to practise within their professional competence, applicable Nigerian legislation, PCN requirements and the policies and procedures of the pharmacy.

Work Location: In person