In a bid to uphold pharmaceutical practice standards, the Pharmacy Council has announced its intention to implement stringent measures aimed at curbing illegal pharmacy operations and practitioners. Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, the acting Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, made this known during a meeting with key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry in the Western Region.
The Council plans to crack down on unlicensed facilities, unauthorized practitioners, and individuals providing pharmaceutical services beyond the scope of their licenses. This enforcement initiative, to be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, Food and Drugs Authority, and other security agencies, seeks to promote public health and safety by bringing order to the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Danquah emphasized the importance of enforcing practice standards, citing instances where unlicensed individuals have been operating and others have been providing services beyond their approved scope, posing potential risks to public health. He stressed that the Council would not hesitate to sanction those found operating illegally, including revoking the licenses of offenders.
Furthermore, Dr. Danquah urged pharmacy practitioners to lend their support to the Council in its quest for a more regulated pharmaceutical practice, while also advising the public against patronizing services offered by illegal pharmacy operators due to associated health risks.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for Dr. Danquah to introduce himself as the acting Registrar of the Council and to seek stakeholders’ support for the successful implementation of the National Electronic Pharmacy (e-pharmacy) platform. This platform is designed to enhance service delivery and bring transparency to pharmaceutical practice.
Mr. Richard Asante, the Western Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, expressed gratitude for the visit and affirmed the Council’s commitment to upholding acceptable practice standards.
Participants at the meeting lauded the timely engagement, acknowledging its potential to assist them in complying with regulations governing their operations.
In conclusion, the Pharmacy Council’s proactive stance in enforcing pharmaceutical practice standards is a commendable step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. By cracking down on illegal operations and promoting transparency through initiatives like the e-pharmacy platform, the Council is setting a positive precedent for the industry. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including practitioners and the public, to support these efforts in order to foster a culture of compliance and accountability within the pharmaceutical sector.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
