The Western North Regional Pharmacist, Dr. Awuah Baah, has echoed concerns over the shortage of qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the region.
Speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana’s Western North Regional Office in Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Awuah Baah highlights a pressing issue in the Western North Region: the inadequate number of qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
This shortage, according to him, hampers efforts to expand access to pharmaceutical services for the region’s residents.
Dr. Awuah Baah urges the Council of Health to prioritize the attraction and retention of qualified pharmacists and technicians in the Western North region to strengthening the healthcare workforce for growing the demand for pharmaceutical services.
He observes a deficiency in pharmacovigilance systems within the clinical community and among stakeholders in the Ghana Health Service.
Dr Awuah Baah emphasizes the need to enhance institutional and community awareness and processes for pharmacovigilance, promoting proactive monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions.
However, he commends the Council for its initiative in introducing and regulating electronic pharmacy services through the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform in Ghana. This platform enhances the delivery of quality and safe medicines, providing convenience, privacy, and improved access to healthcare services.
The inauguration of the council received a warm welcome from the Western North Regional Minister, Richard Ebbah Obeng.
Speaking on behalf of the Western North Regional Minister, Richard Ebbah Obeng, Albert Ankomah, the Regional Food and Drugs Authority Boss, expressed his support during the council’s inaugural ceremony in Sefwi Wiawso, the regional capital.
He emphasized the importance of bringing pharmaceutical services closer to the public to ensure the safe and timely delivery of medicines.
He noted challenges faced by rural communities in accessing medication and expressed confidence that the establishment of the Regional Pharmaceutical Council would ameliorate such difficulties, ultimately improving healthcare delivery in the region.
By Kwame Bomassah | UNIIK Fm.
