SMC's HR department organized a training program for the frontline field program staff called 'Art of Efficient Pharmaceutical Sales'. The aim was to enhance the knowledge and skills of Program Officers (POs) in selling techniques of pharmaceutical products and doctors' detailing. This capacity building initiative was designed as a four-day residential workshop, incorporating various methods and gamification strategies. The management provided this opportunity for all Program Officers working under the filed implementation and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) project. SMC selected "Future Icon" through a competitive process to organize this training. Mr. Yousuf Efti, a renowned professional sales trainer, with assistance of other colleagues facilitated all the sessions. Since March 2023, four separate trainings were organized in four regions of SMC to limit the number of participants and make the event more effective. The agency finalized the training curriculum after conducting a training needs assessment. The agency also collected information and requirements from the participants to enhance their skills and accordingly they accommodated these issues in the session. In addition, the agency had a provision to respond the queries of participants if any for clarification of lessons for 2 months period after the training completion day.

The training program in Bogura Region took place from March 1-3, 2023, at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Sherpur, Bogura. Subsequently, the training for the Khulna Region was held at the Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) in Ramnagor, Jashore, from May 9-12, 2023. The training schedule and duration was further analyzed in consultation with the participants who attended the training. The duration of the training was extended for one more day based on the feedback of the participants, trainers and senior staff of SMC. The training in Cumilla Region took place at Tea Heaven Resort in Sreemangal, Sylhet from May 16-19, 2023. Finally, the training in Dhaka Region was held at Chuti Resort in Joydebpur, Gazipur from June 1-4, 2023. A total of 120 participants attended in these four trainings.

On the last day of the training, Mr. Toslim Uddin Khan, MD & CEO of SMC, along with other senior officials, attended the training in Dhaka Region. Mr. Khan shared the organizational views to improve the skills of the staff. He strongly emphasized that continuous skill building initiatives can ensure the growth of individuals and the Company. He provided valuable insights and words toencourage the team. He expressed his belief that this training program would greatly benefit the Program Officers, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical market and empowering them to develop effective sales plans going forward. Mr. Khan also invited all the participants to identify their knowledge gaps so that management can take right initiatives to improve their skills and performances. He finally assured the participants that SMC will continue this kind of initiative for its staff in future.