FDA, Pharmaceutical companies media war must cease

Dr Derrick Owusu-Ampofo has called a cease-fire in the ongoing media war between the Food and Drugs Authority, on one hand, and pharmaceutical companies on the other, in order not to create fear and panic amongst the populace.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 17, Dr Derrick Owusu-Ampofo said: being the first to call for investigation into the fake drug saga which the MOH has responded, I wish to state categorically the triangular blame game; denial and counter accusations would not help the nation".


He said with the threat on our lives, it is "imperative for FDA and health professionals including pharmacists, clinicians, security agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) needed to act together with the government to deal decisively with the threat".


Below is the full statement


17th October 2013

PRESS STATEMENT


FDA/PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES- MEDIA WAR MUST CEASE


I have keenly followed the media war between the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other Pharmaceutical Companies in the country over the last couple of months and wish to call for cessation of hostilities.


The hostilities have the potential of denting the nation’s international image and also create a state of “fear and panic,” among the populace as health issues are matters of life or death situation.

The recent drug war embarked by the regulator, reactions from some pharmaceutical companies and MOH must end.


The media war is not in the interest of anybody, we must all learn to engage each other in a fruitful way….as we all sought to work for the interest of mother Ghana.


Being the first to call for investigation into the fake drug saga which the MOH has responded, I wish to state categorically the triangular blame game; denial and counter accusations would not help the nation.


Issues of counterfeit and sub-standard drugs in the country are worrying which could have a devastating impact on the health of the people.

It is therefore imperative for FDA and health professionals including pharmacists, clinicians, security agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) needed to act together with the government to deal decisively with the threat.


Studies show that the problem of counterfeit drugs had become so pervasive that it would simply be impossible for the FDA the mandated body, alone to tackle it.


All stakeholders would have to come on board to fight the menace to restore sanity and assure public safety.


There is therefore the urgent need for holistic collaboration to ensure that manufacturing and distribution of drugs conformed to internationally accepted standards.

It’s not media war, or court, court, court all the bodies must work together clean mother Ghana of fake drugs. Thanks


Signed


Dr Derrick Owusu-Ampofo


CDC CONSULT