Accra: Community pharmacists have been urged to strengthen communication with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals while deepening collaboration across the health sector to improve patient outcomes and advance primary healthcare delivery. Dr. John Allotey, Co-founder of Allotey and Associates, made the call at the launch of the fourth Community Practice Pharmacists Association (CPPA) month celebration and Basaar in Accra, on the theme "Community Pharmacist: Bridging the Gap in Primary Healthcare Delivery."
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Allotey emphasized that effective communication is one of the most important tools available to pharmacists in delivering quality healthcare services, urging practitioners to move beyond simply giving instructions to patients. He noted, "Our patients do not arrive as empty vessels waiting for a result. They arrive already full of beliefs about their condition and their medication."
Dr. Allotey stressed the need for pharmacists to listen carefully to patients and ensure they understood how to use their medicines correctly. He stated that effective patient engagement would improve medication adherence, build trust, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes.
Dr. Allotey highlighted the importance of teamwork within community pharmacies, urging managers to create psychologically safe workplaces where staff could freely raise concerns about medication errors or patient safety issues. He encouraged stronger collaboration between pharmacists and prescribing physicians, emphasizing the importance of confident communication to discuss clinical observations, potential drug interactions, and affordable therapeutic alternatives.
Mr. George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, called for greater recognition of community pharmacists, describing them as indispensable partners in expanding access to quality healthcare and strengthening Ghana's primary healthcare system. He commended the Ghana Community Pharmacy Association for promoting professional excellence and public service, urging members to continue embracing innovation while maintaining high standards of practice.
Mr. Smith-Graham observed the significance of community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic when many Ghanaians relied on pharmacies for professional healthcare advice before visiting hospitals. He called for stronger collaboration among government, regulatory bodies, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community pharmacists to build a more integrated and resilient primary healthcare system.
The launch highlighted the expanding role of community pharmacists in healthcare delivery and the need for greater recognition and policy support for the profession. The month-long celebration is expected to showcase their contributions to healthcare while promoting public awareness of their role in improving health outcomes and expanding access to quality pharmaceutical care.