Table 1

Structure of healthcare personnel involved in prescribing and dispensing of drugs in Botswana primary care by training level and main function

Type of healthcare worker according to qualification	No of years training	Main function	Prescribing	Dispensing
ANC=antenatal clinic; FP=family planning; MCH=mother and child health care.
*Tirelo Sechaba participants=secondary school leavers who are obliged to work 1 year within the public sector, including the health sector.
†Nurse orderlies assist the general nurses and relieve them from general duties.
‡General duty assistants normally have primary school education.
Trained personnel
Family nurse practitioner	5	Curative work, deliveries, ANC, FP, MCH	Yes	Only when staff shortage
General nurse/midwife	4	Curative work, deliveries, ANC, FP, MCH	Yes	Only when staff shortage
General nurse	3	Curative work, deliveries, FP, MCH	Yes	Only when staff shortage
Enrolled nurse	2	Curative work, deliveries, FP, MCH	Yes	Yes
Student nurse	2	Curative work, deliveries, FP, MCH	Yes	Yes
Pharmacy technician	3	Drug management including supervision	No	Yes
Family welfare educator	0.25	Health promotion and prevention in the community, some clinical duties at the health facility	No	Yes

Untrained personnel
Tirelo Sechaba participant*	None	Assisting with general duties	No	Yes
Nurse orderly†	None	Assisting with general duties	No	Yes
General duty assistant‡	None	Cleaning and general duties	No	Only when staff shortage