An induction ceremony was yesterday held in Accra for 664 newly qualified pharmacists.
They comprised 350 males and 314 females drawn from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of Ghana, Central University and other foreign universities.
It was held on the theme; “Universal Health Coverage; Pharmacy Practice in a digitalised pharmaceutical regulatory environment,”
The Deputy Minister of Health, AlhajiMahamaSeini, in an address, expressed the government’s commitment to helping digitalize the pharmaceutical industry.
He mentioned the introduction of policies like the “e-pharmacy” and “Ghana.gov” platform to enable renewal of annual licensure and operating permit of practitioners which were significant as the world shifts towards use of technology in providing health services.
AlhajiSeini charged the Pharmacy Council to strengthen collaboration with other regulatory agencies in applied digital tools to remove bad products and quacks from the industry to ensure the protection of the public.
He implored the newly inducted pharmacists to embrace such digital platforms, stick to high professional standards while “educating yourself and keeping in tune with the do’s and don’ts of the practice.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George AkuffoDampare, in a message to the inductees, urged them to make a difference in their practice and provide the best of service to their clients.
“Uphold humility in your practice, resolve to impact society positively, solve problems and walk with your conscience, not your stomachs because you cannot give what you do not have,” he said.
The IGP reiterated the police administration’s resolve to becoming the best institution and reference point for professionalism and excellence.
He, therefore, asked members of the public to let go of ill-perceptions about the Service and throw their weight behind the present administration to achieve the goal.
“We know you have in time past lost confidence and trust in us but we are determined to earn it back. Do not judge us by our past, let us be and support us on this course,” he urged.
The IGP, drawing on the back of increased crime rate, urged the public to demonstrate a high level of security consciousness and deepen self-discipline.
“The indiscipline is too much and that has led to disorganisation in every facet of our society. We should bear in mind that we are leaving a better future for the coming generation and serve as role models for law and order,” he stated.
DrDampare assured that the police administration “will do our best to leave the past behind and embrace a new future.”
For her part, the chairperson of the Governing Board of Pharmacy Council, Mrs Doris Fosu-HemaaAddae-Afoakwa, challenged practitioners to pay greater attention to patient-centered care bearing in mind that the “ultimate beneficiary of your practice is the patient.”
She asked inductees to be guided by the “Apothecary Oath” and “remember that hard work pays. Respect your elders, clients and yourselves. Be humble and learn to be a team player.”
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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