Accra, Ghana - The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has unveiled its flagship initiative, the Strategy for Enhanced Access to Pharmaceutical Services (SEAPS) project. This groundbreaking project aims to significantly improve healthcare delivery across Ghana by addressing critical gaps in access to essential medications and pharmaceutical services, especially in underserved regions.

At the launch event, PSGH President Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh highlighted the United Nations' Agenda 2030, emphasizing equitable access to healthcare as a crucial element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted the ongoing challenges many Ghanaians face in obtaining essential pharmaceutical services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Dr. Donkoh also addressed Ghana’s “double burden” of communicable and non-communicable diseases, which heavily strains the country's healthcare system. He reiterated the government's commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and enhancing access to essential health services by 2030, as outlined in the Ministry of Health’s Mid-Term Development Plan (2022-2025).

He expressed concern over the decline in health spending as a percentage of the government budget and GDP, calling for improved domestic resource mobilization and sustainable health financing. Dr. Donkoh emphasized the need to leverage existing infrastructure, particularly community pharmacies, to broaden healthcare access.

Dominic Korsah Otchere, the newly appointed Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ghana Health Service, announced the government's commitment to enrolling 330 practice facilities nationwide. He urged pharmacists to take advantage of this opportunity, highlighting the importance of Ghana's Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy in achieving UHC and improving health outcomes. The Ghana Health Service, with support from development partners, plans to roll out 350 Networks of Practice (NoP) facilities nationally, incorporating pharmacies and over-the-counter medicine sellers into the network.

Deputy Minister Adelaide Ntim, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance pharmaceutical services in underserved communities.

The event was attended by the Honorable Deputy Minister for Health, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services of the Ghana Health Service, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, and members of the PSGH.

The SEAPS project marks a significant step towards transforming pharmaceutical services in Ghana, aiming to ensure that all Ghanaians, regardless of their location, have access to essential medications and healthcare services.

Source by Citinewsroom. com