1 Task Shifting To Increase Quality Of Pharmaceutical Services In The Catholic Hospitals in Uganda Isaac Mpoza Kagimu Human Resource Advisor - UCMB

2 Main conclusions of the case study 1 Training pharmaceutical assistants has improved the overall performance of the health facilities under the Catholic Church in Uganda. The training initiative improved the competence of the individuals and the capacity of the hospitals to deliver pharmaceutical services. The initiative improved the availability of trained dispensing personnel in the UCMB affiliated hospitals.

3 Main conclusions of the case study 2 It has equally enhanced the retention and improved the motivation of pharmaceutical staff. There is noticeable improvement in the management of pharmacy stores due to improved skills. The interventions do not eliminate attrition completely although they alleviate it.

4 Recommendations1. The professional regulatory bodies wield a lot of power. Their support and approval must be sought right from the start. The regulatory bodies should be involved in the supervision of the trainees (during training) to ensure acceptability of the product. The future employers need to know what exactly to expect from the trainees. Hence, they should also be involved from the start.

5 Recommendations 2. Issues related to career progression, the job description and scope of the trainees should be discussed in detail before the training starts. UN agencies such as the WHO should support organisations involved in innovative initiatives so as to give them more credibility and acceptance. Task shifting is accepted today because it was embraced by the WHO. The support of the UN agencies and the Development Partners may help to open doors to the PAT trainees into the professional ranks of pharmacy.

6 Recommendations 3 Development Partners such as DFID should find a way of supporting the staff development of PNFP health institutions through the respective medical bureaux. The Development Partners could advocate with the policy makers to enhance stability of the health workers in the Church health services.