‘Lead crusade against importation of fake drugs’

The Paramount Chief of Kumawu, Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua, has challenged the Pharmaceutical Council of Ghana to lead the crusade against the importation of fake drugs into the country.

He explained that although the various stakeholders in the country were doing their best to nip the act in the bud, there was also the need for the council, which is the regulatory body for the pharmaceutical industry, to be at the forefront of the fight to get to the bottom of all the challenges related to the importation of fake drugs into the country.

Barima Tweneboah Kodua made the statement at the 5th Annual General Conference of the Pharmacy Technologist Association of Ghana, in Kumasi. The ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary celebration of the association.

Professional contribution 

The conference, which was on the theme “The professional contribution of the pharmacy technologist in healthcare delivery in Ghana”, brought together pharmacy technologists, lecturers, personnel from the Ghana Health Service, and traditional authorities among others.

Members of the association currently constitute more than 75 per cent of the population of those engaged in pharmaceutical jobs in private and public health institutions, as well as regulatory institutions.

The Paramount Chief, who is also a medical doctor by profession, urged the pharmacists to create an enabling environment at their facilities by having very cordial relationship with their clients at all times to enhance good customer service.

The Dean of the Pharmaceutical Department at the Kumasi Polytechnic, Dr Francis Mainoo Sarpong, urged the Pharmaceutical Council to review regulations binding activities of pharmaceutical technologists to enhance their educational and career progression.

Career progression

He explained that, there was the need for members to have the opportunity to progress in their career, from the current diploma level to attain a degree in Pharmaceutical Technology, since the current state of affairs discouraged many people from joining the profession.

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Appiah Denkyirah, in an address read on his behalf by Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Deputy Director of Clinical Care, Ashanti Region, said everything was being done to address their concerns in connection with their placement under the Single Spine Pay Policy, with negotiations still ongoing with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).