Drug Abuse is Still Rampant

A SURVEY conducted by the Ghana National Drug Programme ( GNDP), according to Mrs. Martha Gyansa-Lutterdot, the Deputy Programme Manager of GNDP, indicates that even though the use of antibiotics by public and private sectors has reduced to 41% per patient, the rational use of medicines in the communities has still not improved.

She noted that there are a lot of Ghanaians who go for antibiotic injections at unauthorised places, indicating that the abuse of unprescribed medicine still persists.

She stated that the Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from the Dutch government, initiated the programme to ensure that Ghanaians have access to good, quality and affordable drugs.

Speaking at a three-day seminar for journalists in Accra, she said that three years into the programme, a functional procurement unit has been established which has also been involved in a number of international competitive bids.

Under the rational use of medicine programmes of the GNDP, she hinted that prescribers in the various hospitals in the country have now been prescribing more in line with the Ministry's recommendations.

Mrs. Lutterdot said that the GNDP on its part, has reviewed and enhanced the national standard treatment guidelines and given copies to health institutions nationwide.

Stressing, she said the Ministry has also set up a National Resource Information Centre, to provide accurate information on all medicines given to doctors, pharmacists, and the general public inter alia.

Knowing that medicine sometimes causes problems, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Food and Drugs board has set up a National Centre for Pharmacovigilance to monitor harmful effects of herbal and orthodox medicines in the country.

She challenged the global merger of pharmaceutical companies which remains a barrier to access to essential medicines, and said these challenges call for a united effort from the companies to work together to educate Ghanaians on the need to use medicines wisely.

She called for the need to empower Ghanaians to self-medicate only when they have all the available information and advised that Ghanaians contribute into schemes that will permit the utilisation of health facilities when the need arises.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kweku Rockson, a lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) touched on the credibility of stories written by journalists on health issues.

He noted that health stories can offer opportunities for winning awards when one specialises in it.

He however cautioned journalists to contact all persons involved in health issues before publishing their works.

Mr. Rockson also called for accuracy in their reportage on health issues, and advised that journalists exploit to the full, immense communication research and health brains within the Health Communication Network.