Workforce Capacity in Hospital Pharmacy Practice in Secondary Healthcare Facilities in Edo State, South South Nigeria

Background: Adequate pharmacy workforce capacity is a prerequisite for safe and effective pharmaceutical care delivery in hospital settings. Secondary healthcare facilities in Nigeria often face significant human resource deficits that compromise service quality. This study assessed pharmacy workforce capacity in secondary healthcare facilities across Edo State. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 18 secondary hospitals in Edo State. Data were collected on pharmacy staffing levels, professional cadre distribution, pharmacist-to-patient ratios, workload indicators, and staff training status. Key informant interviews were conducted with 18 chief pharmacists. Results: The average pharmacist-to-inpatient bed ratio was 1:82, far exceeding recommended standards. Pharmacy technicians constituted 61 percent of the pharmacy workforce. Only 38 percent of facilities had at least one clinical pharmacist. Continuing education participation in the preceding year was reported by 54 percent of staff. Staff turnover due to poor remuneration was cited as a major challenge by 89 percent of key informants. Conclusion: Hospital pharmacy workforce capacity in Edo State secondary facilities is critically insufficient. Policy attention to pharmacist recruitment, remuneration, and task redistribution is urgently needed to strengthen pharmaceutical care delivery. Keywords: pharmacy workforce, hospital pharmacy, Edo State, human resources for health, pharmaceutical care