Pursuing a passion for saving lives! The work of a Pharmacy Assistant (PA) in Malawi is more than just dispensing medicines at a counter. It is also about the people receiving these medicines.
With 50% of the African population lacking access to essential medicines, the PA program works to increase community access to quality health products by training and deploying trained pharmacy staff to the hardest-to-reach communities in Malawi.
Nasra Amina Hassam is one of the students of the PA program at the Progressive Healthcare Institute. For Nasra, the work of a PA must be filled with both a passion for the work and a passion to help people. Her work, and the work of countless other supply chain professionals, is critical to the public health supply chain. In 2025, we filmed with Nasra as part of “The Pharmacy Assistants of Malawi,” a short video that showcases Malawi’s commitment to supporting educational pathways to becoming a supply chain professional. Hope Ngwira, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Policy at VillageReach, sat down with Nasra to talk with her about her experience filming “The Pharmacy Assistants of Malawi.”
Nasra Amina Hassam, a student of the Pharmacy Assistant (PA) program in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Hope Ngwira: Did you enjoy filming this video with us?
Nasra Amina Hassam: I enjoyed filming the video with VillageReach a lot. I still feel very proud to be associated with such a significant global organization through this collaboration. It was such a rewarding experience to serve as the voice of many other PAs out there.
HN: Will you be famous in Malawi now? Are you ready to sign autographs?
NH: (smiled and laughed)
HN: What was one thing you experienced or learned during the filming that surprised you?
NH: I am one of the few PA students who drives my own car to and from school, which sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable. I remember asking the filming crew not to film me while driving because I was worried it might misrepresent the typical experience of a PA student in Malawi. My concern was also that this could send misleading signals to potential funders for the PA program out there. However, I was surprised when the filming team insisted on capturing everything as it is, including my car ownership. They stressed the importance of authenticity and even wanted to film me driving to school. In a way, this made me better understand the filming process and I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
HN: When do you graduate from the PA program?
NH: I am nearing the completion of my studies in April, and I can’t wait. [She said with a smile] After finishing my studies, I will only have two exams left: the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) exam, as well as the Certifying Exams based on the two-year curriculum I studied. Once I pass these exams, I will be officially certified to practice [She said with a smile – again].
HN: What are your plans after graduation?
NH: Upon graduation, my initial plan is to work in a drug store to gain work experience. My long-term plan is to own and operate my own drug store in Lilongwe someday, with the goal of expanding by opening additional branches in other districts. This venture will not only allow me to serve patients but also create employment opportunities for fellow PAs and others.
HN: What made you decide to enter the PA program? Why did you want to be a pharmacy assistant?
NH: From the very beginning, I have been very passionate about helping others. Initially, I aimed to pursue a career in nursing but later decided to transition to the PA program to still work in a clinical environment. My strong passion for making a difference in people’s lives and delivering quality care is what motivates me to be a PA.
HN: Do you have a story from your training when you were able to help someone? Something you are proud of?
NH: The story from my practical training is about prescription errors that unfortunately happen almost every day. I take great pride when I’m able to identify and correct prescription errors. Utilizing my experience, knowledge and personal judgment to correct these mistakes not only brings me satisfaction but also helps prevent potential harm to patients. It is essential for every PA to ensure that the patient’s condition aligns with the prescribed medication before dispensing it. This commitment to patient safety is a core work ethic that I deeply value.
HN: What advice do you have for people considering this program?
NH: My advice to any aspiring PA students is that they should possess a genuine passion for serving others, rather than merely seeking an academic qualification for financial gain. They must also be ready to put in significant effort, as both the academic and practical components of this field require dedication and are not suited for those who are lazy. Continuous education is essential even after graduation. One appealing aspect of this career is the opportunity to connect with a diverse network of professionals, including doctors, nurses, dermatologists and eye specialists, which further enhances one’s knowledge base regarding prescriptions.
HN: What would say to young women in Malawi to encourage them to become pharmacists or pharmacy assistants?
NH: To all the young women out there, here is simple advice from me: Embrace your independence! The PA program provides you with every opportunity to achieve just that. As a PA, you will feel empowered and self-sufficient. Pursue your passion while earning your own income, and most importantly, make a difference by saving lives.
Learn more about the PA Program.
Check out the trailer below. You can watch the full film on Youtube.