Anglican Church launches campaign on medicine

The Anglican Diocese of Accra in collaboration with the Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana (LAPAG) and Pharmacists Without Borders of Scandinavia has launched a campaign to promote safer use of medicines in Ghanaian communities.

The campaign is aimed at promoting the safe and effective use of medicine among Ghanaians, and to raise awareness about the dangers of self-medication and the use of fake and sub-standard medicine.

Reverend Dr Daniel S. M. Torto, the Anglican Bishop of Accra, speaking at the launch said the campaign which would be carried out throughout all branches of the Church within the Diocese would soon be extended to cover the rest of the country.

He said medicines, although good for health maintenance, have the potential to cause harm when used inappropriately.

He urged Ghanaians to buy their drugs from approved pharmacies and chemical shops, in order to avoid buying fake or substandard drugs.

Chief Superintendent Ellen Sam, an executive of LAPAG, said the media had a role to play in educating consumers on medicines and their uses.

She urged media houses to create health desks where consumers can go in to make their complains on fake medicines.

“We really need a lot of knowledge to be able to handle medicines well,” she said.

“If you buy a fake iphone, it is just an economic loss. But buying a counterfeit medicine and taking it, can lead to your death,” she said.

She also expressed unhappiness over the sale of medicines in commercial vehicles and at lorry stations.

Mrs Yvonne Yrenkyiwaa Essenku, the President of LAPAG, said: “You cannot place a price tag on your health, therefore, let’s take medicines appropriately”.