Manager, Pharmacy Services Hospital

The Aga Khan University Hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare institute that offers all medical services to their patients under one roof. In addition to the tertiary care hospital in Karachi, AKUH has a network of 4 secondary care hospitals, 30+ Medical Centres, and over 290+ Clinical Laboratories, 30+ Pharmacies in over 120+ cities across Pakistan. It also offers Home Healthcare Services and home deliveries of medicines. The Hospital provides Zakat for those patients who are eligible, and the health systems offers generous Patient Welfare to support those in financial need. In recognition of its high quality and patient safety, the AKUH is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as an Academic Medical Centre and its Clinical Laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for fast and accurate testing.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and aims to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

We are seeking an energetic, innovative, and experienced Manager of Pharmacy to oversee and enhance the day-to-day operations within our pharmacy services. This role will be pivotal in managing medication management systems, ensuring the standards of quality, and the revenue streams and with new initiative initiatives to the services. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of clinical expertise, operational acumen, and technology savvy, with a strong emphasis on communication, negotiation, change management and mentoring skills.

The Manager Pharmacy Services will be responsible for managing the operations and assigned department within the Pharmacy. The key duties include managing day-to-day pharmacy services, ensuring the delivery of quality patient care, optimizing the use of medications, and overseeing the pharmacy team. The manager will work closely with clinical and administrative departments to support hospital goals and patient safety initiatives under supervision of Director Pharmacy Services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Supervision: Lead and supervise the pharmacy team, ensuring staff performance aligns with goals and objectives. Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and facilitate professional development for pharmacy staff.
• Strategic Planning & Service Development: Develop and implement strategic plans for the pharmacy service. Work on service development, including identifying new services or areas of improvement to enhance patient care and support hospital goals.
• Operational Management: Oversee assigned pharmacy operations, ensuring efficient medication dispensing, stock management, and patient safety. Maintain inventory, manage pharmacy budgets, and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Liaise with other departments such as nursing, medical, purchase, IT and finance to ensure integrated care and services. Collaborate in developing and implementing clinical protocols, guidelines, and policies.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, including accreditation requirements (e.g., JCIA), and implement best practices in medication safety and management. Monitor medication error reports and facilitate corrective actions. Overseeing administrative functions, improving processes, and identifying innovative solutions including EHR etc.
• Clinical Services & Patient Safety: Promote the appropriate use of medications, participate in clinical rounds, and contribute to improving patient outcomes. Assist in medication therapy management and ensure that proper documentation is maintained for clinical audits.
• Education & Training: Develop and coordinate educational programs for pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals on drug therapy, patient care protocols, and new treatments or medications.
• Financial Management: Assist with budgeting for pharmacy services, monitor drug costs, and seek cost-effective solutions without compromising patient care quality.
• Research & Development: Stay current with advancements in pharmaceutical practices and integrate evidence-based medicine into pharmacy services. Participate in research activities as required.
• Patient-Centered Care: Ensure the pharmacy department's role in improving the patient experience and satisfaction by maintaining high standards in service delivery.

You should have:

• PharmD/Bachelor in Pharmacy; a relevant Master Degree in Pharmacy or advanced training in allied discipline will be given preference.
• MBA in health management will be considered an advantage
• Registered with pharmacy council Pakistan
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive professional and supervisory experience in a medium to large hospital including 3 years in a managerial capacity in a tertiary care academic institution
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to conceive 'out of the box' solutions for medication management related issues
• Automation of various aspects of medication management as a change agent
• Good interpersonal skills to build and guide teams within multidisciplinary environments
• Knowledge of pharmacy management and drug distribution system in a tertiary care hospital setting
• Flexibility, competency, ability and willingness to provide staff supervision at variable work hours and shifts
• Sound knowledge about healthcare informatics and ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.

You should send your detailed CV by email to human.resources@aku.edu and mention the position "10020936" in the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications should be submitted latest by January 14, 2025