FDA NORTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE MEETS WITH GHAFTRAM AND TMPC

The Northern Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in a bid to fulfil its mandate to protect Public Health and Safety, organized a one-day training in partnership with Ghana Health Service (GHS), GHAFTRAM and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TPMC) on 14th October, 2020 at Mariam Centre for Inter-religious Affairs in Tamale for members of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (GHAFTRAM).

The training had some representatives from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Pharmacy Council in attendance.
Mr. Edmund Mantsie Apaye, a representative of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana stated that in ensuring the highest standards in the pharmacy council for the safety of all, the Council monitors the practices Herbal Medicine Practitioners.

He further cautioned that, orthodox medicine was not to be administered in herbal facilities. He added that, any practitioner found mixing or selling orthodox medicine will have his or her license withdrawn and other additional sanctions per the severity of the case would be meted.

A total of two hundred and fifty four (254) Participants were educated on the importance of the requisite knowledge and safe medical devices used in administering treatment to clients. The Regional Head, Mr. Martin Kusi advised that they use only FDA approved medical devices.

He added that for the FDA to ensure public safety, practitioners that use medical devices are to ensure that samples of all medical devices, imported or manufactured in Ghana are brought to the premises of the FDA for assessment before they can be used.

Speaking on herbal medicines, Mr. Kusi stated that participants are to ensure that every medicine produced for the treatment or control of any disease for the general public must be approved by the Authority before it can be allotted.

He further mentioned the need for proper packaging and labeling of herbal products as it guides the public with detailed information on the product, as well as, helps to market their product to the public. He also admonished practitioners to take advantage of the current favourable conditions in product registration to fast-track the approval of their herbal products.

Inspector Akumey, speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Police Commander said, every practitioner is obligated to be vigilant in the performance of their duties. He urged the general public to report all detrimental cases related to the performance of practitioners.