200 Patients, One Pharmacy Assistant. How Is That Possible? ㅣ Mirriam Ngalande Banda ㅣ Episode 3

What happens when one pharmacy assistant is expected to serve more than 200 patients? And what does it mean for patient safety when a cleaner ends up dispensing medicines? In this episode of The Pharmacy Experience, I sit down with Mirriam Ngalande, a pharmacist and lecturer, to explore the realities of pharmacy practice in Malawi. We discuss the often misunderstood roles of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants, the pressures facing pharmacy personnel, and the importance of having trained people in the right roles. Mirriam also shares her journey into pharmacy and academia, her experiences in the profession, and her hopes for the future of pharmacy in Malawi. This is a conversation about the people behind the medicines, the responsibilities they carry, and the challenges that deserve greater attention.