By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Navrongo (U/E), Nov. 12, GNA – Mr Abel Ndego, the Acting Upper East Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned pharmacies and Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine sellers in the region, against converting their licensed premises into treatment centres.
He also warned them against providing clinical services beyond the scope of their authorisation.
Mr Ndego said pharmacies and OTC medicine outlets were licensed primarily for the storage, sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products and must not engage in activities reserved for hospitals, clinics and other authorised healthcare facilities.
The warning followed concerns raised during an engagement between the FDA and OTC medicine sellers in the Kassena-Nankana West and Kassena-Nankana Municipality, where participants discussed regulatory challenges and practices affecting medicine distribution and patient safety.
Mr Ndego expressed concern that some pharmacies allegedly admit patients, administer injections and intravenous (IV) fluids, and provide other forms of treatment within their premises.
He said such practices were not permitted under the licensing arrangements governing the facilities.
“Some are even admitting patients, running IV fluids, giving injections and all that. As far as I know, that is not permitted because these are facilities that are licensed for the sale of pharmaceutical products,” he said.
He stressed that treatment services should remain the responsibility of appropriately authorised healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics and health centres.
Mr Ndego appealed to pharmacy operators and OTC medicine sellers engaged in such practices to desist and operate strictly within the limits of their licences and further reminded them that their authorisation restricted them to dispensing Class ‘C’ medicines, which were classified as OTC medicines.
He cautioned participants against the sale of ‘prescription-only’ medicines and administering medicines, particularly certain injectable products and antibiotics, beyond the scope of their authorisation.
The Acting Head also emphasised the need for OTC medicine sellers to understand the distinction between their regulatory responsibilities and those of other healthcare professionals and institutions.
He explained that the Authority worked closely with the Pharmacy Council and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) to strengthen regulatory oversight, noting that, while the FDA primarily regulated products, the other institutions had complementary mandates in regulating pharmaceutical and healthcare practice.
“We have had a lot of discussions and collaborations with the Pharmacy Council and HeFRA is also now in the picture,” he said.
Mr Ndego added that the regulatory institutions supported one another by referring matters that fell within their respective jurisdictions, to ensure appropriate action.
The FDA urged all pharmacies and OTC medicine outlets to respect their licensing conditions and avoid practices that could compromise patient safety.
“If your facility is accredited for the sale, distribution and storage of pharmaceutical products, let it remain so,” he advised.
He said adherence to the law and effective collaboration among regulatory institutions were essential to protecting the public and ensuring safe healthcare delivery.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email: [email protected].