Friday, May 30, 2014

Outpatient Pharmacy


Pharmacy in English, Luganda (native to Uganda) and Swahili

Mulago outpatient pharmacy is just as hectic as working at a community pharmacy in the US. There is really no standard way of regulating inventory past writing down what someone dispenses in a checklist spreadsheet. 



A patient is given a written paper prescription to bring to the children's pharmacy (above) or the adult pharmacy (below). In the picture Candace is dispensing while Alison shows off a drug product called Fungystin. 


There are limited counting trays which prompts pharmacy staff to use spoonfuls which are counted some of the time. Just like the hospital, the pharmacies are very busy with not a ton of staff. 


A stock cabinet with drugs for dispensing.

Additionally, I should mention that there are no copays required for the people of Mulago hospital. The Ugandan government provides the medications without charge. However if the medication is not carried by the hospital, patients must make other arrangements by purchasing the remainder medications, mostly syrups, from community pharmacies. 


Me waiting to dispense medications at the children's pharmacy. 


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