Background Information

The country is still grappling with a high burden of diseases from malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB and Leprosy, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, child illnesses, accidents and non-communicable diseases are also on the increase.

It is within this context that MoHSW is changing the current curricula from the conventional knowledge-based to outcomes / competence based curricula with a flexible mode of delivery and assessment.  It is expected that with these curricula, the country can achieve the objective of having semi qualified pharmaceutical personnel, who could work effectively and assist to meet the demands of the health sector. It is also expected that training institutions will ensure that students are equipped with necessary competences, which will enable them play roles requiring basic skills, knowledge and understanding and in which they take responsibility for their professional role.

The aim of the training programme is to supply the country with adequately trained technicians in pharmacy who will work in various health facilities and participate in the provision of basic pharmaceutical services.



To have competent pharmaceutical personnel who will provide pharmaceutical services effectively in different health care settings and cope with existing and emerging health issues.


To establish conducive and sustainable training environment that will allow students and graduates to perform competently at their relevant levels and aspire for attainment of higher knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting health, preventing diseases and caring for clients in all settings

Aim and Objectives of the Programme

Aim of the Programme

The programme aim to achieve the following goals:

  1. To form a flexible course that is responsive to dynamic and rapidly changing world of work and the society
  2. To provide pharmaceutical knowledge, skills and behaviours vital to learners, employers and the community;
  3. To entice self-realisation and team work skills that enable graduates to perform efficiently and aspire for higher level training;
  4. To build capacity to participate in the implementation of National Health Policy and its accompanying operational guidelines; and
  5. To propagate and promote moral, legal and ethical conduct among pharmaceutical personnel and other health workers within the pharmacy profession and national legal framework.


 The objectives of this programme are to:

  1. Form a career advancement in pharmacy practice and an operational role for pharmaceutical management in health care service delivery;
  2. Impart appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to pharmacy practice in relation to preventive and curative health care services in the community;
  3. Steer creativity and innovativeness in response to challenges inherent in pharmacy practice and health care delivery;
  4. Inculcate a culture of team work, build critical thinking and problem solving skills in pharmacy and health care practice
  5. Inculcate sense of citizenship, professionalism, accountability and responsibility in provision of health care services;
  6. Stimulate life-long learning behaviour for pharmaceutical personnel and advancement of pharmacy profession; and
  7. Provide an international outlook of the learning content and context so as to widen learners’ advantage into regional and international labour market.

DPS Courses