Evaluation of Pharmacy Technician Competency in Medication Dispensing at Federal Medical Centres in North Central Nigeria

Pharmacy technicians contribute substantially to medication dispensing and supply activities in Nigerian federal medical centres, often working with varying degrees of pharmacist supervision. Their competency in dispensing practices directly impacts medication safety and patient outcomes. This study evaluated the dispensing competency of pharmacy technicians at federal medical centres in North Central Nigeria, with sites in Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States. An observational assessment design was used, employing a validated dispensing competency checklist administered to 85 pharmacy technicians during routine dispensing activities. Competency was assessed across eight domains: prescription interpretation, drug selection, labeling accuracy, patient counseling, stock management, controlled drug handling, dispensing speed, and documentation. Overall competency rates were adequate in 57 percent of observed dispensing encounters. The weakest performance was observed in patient counseling and controlled drug documentation, where competency rates were 34 percent and 41 percent respectively. Pharmacy technicians with additional professional development courses showed significantly better performance across all domains. Competency was also higher in tertiary facilities compared to district-level federal medical centres. The study recommends formal standardized competency assessments for pharmacy technicians at entry and at regular intervals throughout employment. Structured mentorship by senior pharmacists and access to continuing professional development programs tailored to pharmacy technician needs in the north central zone are recommended. Keywords: pharmacy technicians, dispensing competency, federal medical centres, North Central Nigeria, medication safety