rnTakoradi, April 29, GNA – The Pharmacy Technologists Association of Ghana on Saturday called on the Pharmacy Council to allow its members to establish retail outlets to support pharmaceutical services. rnThe association made the call at the closing session of a four-day training programme on advocacy organised by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund for 25 pharmacy technologists. rnThe participants were drawn from the Western, Central, Greater Accra, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions. rnMr Michael Gyamprah, Western Regional Chairman of the Association, said the Council should put in place a policy that would enable pharmacy technologists to open and operate retail outlets. rnHe said some countries including South Africa and Kenya have such a policy and this is helping to strengthen their pharmaceutical services. rnMr Gyamprah said such a policy would ensure proper dispensation of drugs in the country particularly in rural and deprived communities where pharmaceutical services are unavailable. rnHe said the policy would support the National Health Insurance Scheme and check the sale of restricted drugs. rnMr Lord-Lucas Vodzi, Lead Consultant of the BUSAC Fund, noted that there is a gap in pharmaceutical services at the grassroots that pharmacy technologists can fill. rnHe said this would promote sustainable health delivery, which is necessary for national development adding: "The association is made up of disciplined members and should not be ignored in the process of national development."rn rn rn rn rnGNA