Author: Maame Owusuaa Oppong
Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has launched Strategy for Enhanced Access to Pharmaceutical Services (SEAPS) project.
The initiative aims to significantly improve healthcare delivery across Ghana.
President of PSGH Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh, said the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, is emphasizing the importance of equitable access to healthcare as a fundamental component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said, the persistent challenges many Ghanaians face in obtaining essential pharmaceutical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas is very worrying and should be taken critical look.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Deputy Minister Adelaide Ntim called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance pharmaceutical services in underserved communities.
PSGH’s SEAPS project complements existing government healthcare initiatives, particularly the recently launched Implementation Guidelines for the Networks of Practice (NoP) by the Ghana Health Services (GHS), she revealed
She said the NoP initiative focuses on building a sustainable primary healthcare (PHC) model that supports universal health coverage (UHC).
The initiative which is aimed at transforming the role of pharmacists and pharmacies within Ghana’s healthcare system, seeks to improve access to essential pharmaceutical services, in deprived communities.
Further more, SEAPS initiative is providing financial and technical support to pharmacists. This support will enable the establishment of new pharmacies and the expansion of existing ones, particularly in underserved areas.
This initiative positions pharmacists as essential players in the healthcare system, capable of offering comprehensive medication management and primary care services.
Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ghana Health Service, Dominic Korsah Otchere, made it known that the government is committed to enroll 330 practice facilities nationwide and called on pharmacists to seize this opportunity.
“Ghana’s Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy remains the bedrock of our approach to achieving UHC with the focus of improving health outcomes, he revealed.
He said, GHS with support from Development partners, is determined to facilitate and initiate the rollout of 350 Networks of Practice (NoP) Facilities nationally very soon. Pharmacies and Over-the-Counter-medicines sellers (OTCMS) are expected to be part of the network.”
