The Western Regional Branch of the Food and Drugs board has organized a press briefing yesterday to sensitize stakeholders as part of efforts to raise awareness on substandard and falsified medicines.
The world Health organization in research conducted in 2017, estimates that 1 in 10 medical products in low/middle-income countries are substandard and falsified. It is also considered a multimillion-dollar business that claims the lives of millions around the world.
The situation is no different in Ghana as the existing survey points to the fact that citizens have challenges in determining the authenticity of medicines they consume.
For example, in a survey where 1031 adults aged 18+ were sampled in Ghana, 54% failed to determine the authenticity and quality of the medicine they use in treating themselves.
The situation has necessitated the urgent need for authorities to double up effort towards protecting the vulnerable citizens through intensive campaigns.
Speaking at a press conference, the regional head FDA, Mr. Abu Sumalia, spoke about the campaign strategy that has been adopted by the unit to drum home the urgent need for the public to enhance their knowledge on substandard and falsified medicine.
“In response to the current study, the authority and the WHO has adopted a comprehensive risk communications approach which has led to the production of radio jingles, the printing of posters, and the organization of this series of regional stakeholder/Press briefings”.
He went ahead and appeal to all stakeholders to support the FDA by reporting any suspicious activities involving SF Medical products.
Manager of Stores, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital
The manager of stores at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital reiterated customers’ inability to identify either fake or substandard drugs as a big challenge in the pharmaceutical industry, he called on customers not to hesitate to share the purpose of buying certain drugs over the counter when they are asked.
“One of our challenges is identifying whether a drug is fake or substandard is a challenge, but most times customers become annoyed at the counter when we asked them what they are using the drug for”.
He advised customers on some basic strategies they are can adopt in identifying the standard drugs on the market
“Don’t buy drugs anywhere, buy it as a license drug shop, check the expiry date, you can look at the package and shape of the medicine to be able question any anomaly”
Kwame Offei
