Prosecute advertisers of fake medicines on the market - GMA to Attorney General

The Ghana Medical Association has called for the prosecution of all persons found guilty of advertising ‘fake’ and ‘unregistered’ medicines and disease treatment on the market.

The calls come on the back of increasingly alarming ‘fake’ adverts on unproven treatment, prevention and cure remedies being circulated on the market. The adverts which are disseminated in commercial vehicles and more disturbingly in some outlets of the mainstream media according to the Association, is having devastating effects on ignorant Ghanaians and growing the mortality rate in the country.

Speaking at a press conference, President of the Association noted that the practice is a violation of sections of the Public Health Act of the country, adding that the selfish interest of such advertisers and sellers has left several Ghanaians incapacitated and killed some others.

“Section 114 (2) and the Fifth Schedule prohibits the advertisement for treatment, prevention or cure of all the diseases. Some of these unregulated advertisements are purely motivated by profits and have no interest of the well-being of the Ghanaian at hear. These claims by these unscrupulous individuals are causing great harm to patients and thereby increasing morbidity and mortality. Some patients indulge these providers and present to health facilities only with complications, sometimes with very fatal consequences" DCOP Dr. Ebenezer Ewusi-Emmim said.

He also urged all regulatory institutions concerned with ensuring that the practice is curbed to sit up and enforce the relevant laws to prevent further harm.

“The Ghana Medical Association therefore calls on the Ministry of Health, Ghana Standards Authority, the Medical and Dental Council, the Food and Drugs Authority, the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, the National Media Commission, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Civil Society Organizations and all other relevant State agencies to as a matter of urgency work together to ensure the strict adherence to and enforcement of the laws regulating advertisement on medicines and treatment of ailments as listed in the Public Health Act, to protect the health of the vulnerable in public”.