AZRAA BASSA

Serves as a key opinion leader (KOL) on an advisory board, providing pharmaceutical insights on antimicrobial stewardship and wound care practices. Contributes to the development of evidence-based guidelines, reviews emerging therapies and product innovations, and offers strategic input on clinical initiatives. Engages in collaborative discussions with multidisciplinary experts to support optimal patient outcomes and promote responsible use of antimicrobials.

Serves as the responsible pharmacist, overseeing daily pharmacy operations including opening and closing procedures, supervising pharmacist assistants, and ensuring legal and professional compliance in the handling and dispensing of medication, including Schedule 6 medicines. Provides patient-centred services such as prescription verification, medication counselling, and resolution of customer queries to support safe and effective treatment.

Experienced in compounding non-sterile pharmaceutical products in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with responsibilities including quality control and product release. Skilled in pharmaceutical stock management, procurement of active ingredients, cold chain oversight, and prescription dispensing. Also proficient in handling adverse event reporting and addressing customer information requests and queries.

Worked within a psychiatric institution, overseeing daily pharmacy operations including opening and closing procedures, supervising pharmacist assistants, and verifying prescriptions. Gained valuable experience in the handling and dispensing of psychiatric medicines, and collaborated closely with psychiatrists and counsellors as part of a multidisciplinary care team. Responsibilities included cold chain management, SVS reporting, and management of Schedule 5 and 6 medications. Also issued vaccines to vaccination sites and managed the issuing and checking of ward stock, including weekly medication supply to Howick Clinic and Sunfield Home

Worked at a Mediclinic hospital pharmacy, responsible for dispensing inpatient prescriptions and take-home medication, with a focus on patient counseling and the handling of Schedule 6 medicines. Additional duties included ordering and dispensing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and monitoring pharmaceutical stock levels to ensure continuity of care.

Worked in a sessional pharmacist capacity, initiating therapy where appropriate and overseeing the dispensing of medication, including Schedule 6 medicines. Provided patient counselling, supervised pharmacist assistants, verified prescriptions, and resolved medical aid queries to ensure smooth pharmacy operations and quality patient care.

Completed community service at a community healthcare clinic, managing Schedule 5, 6, and restricted medication, while overseeing stock control, monthly stocktakes, and CCMDD monitoring. Supervised COVID-19 vaccination clinics and conducted regular clinic audits and supervisory visits. Provided mentorship to pharmacy staff, delivered patient counseling and education, and served as a representative on the events committee.

Completed internship at a tertiary hospital with responsibilities that included the preparation and dispensing of in-patient and outpatient prescriptions, compounding of medication, and daily issuing of TPN bags to wards. Gained experience in handling and mixing cytotoxic drugs for chemotherapy and actively participated in weekly oncology ward rounds. Contributed to daily antibiotic stewardship ward rounds and attended weekly academic meetings to support ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.