Accra: Dr Daniel Amaning, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, has emphasized the need for Ghana to adopt telemedicine as a means to broaden healthcare access and address the increasing demands of patients. He highlighted the potential of telemedicine to offer substantial benefits by providing greater access to medical services for individuals residing in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
According to Ghana News Agency, during his speech at the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo in Accra, Dr Amaning outlined that telemedicine facilitates more accessible healthcare and reduces medical expenses. Telemedicine encompasses remote clinical services through real-time audio-visual interactions between patients and medical professionals. It includes virtual consultations, continuous patient monitoring, and the exchange of medical information, making it advantageous for areas with restricted healthcare facilities.
Dr Amaning further explained that the introduction of the National Electronic Pharmacy (NEP) would strengthen pharmaceutical regulation, ensure the availability of safe medications, and provide accurate medical information. He specified that NEP would regulate telemedicine to prevent certain medicines from being dispensed via the platform, even with a prescription. He called for collaboration within the pharmaceutical sector to advance telemedicine in Ghana.
Pharmacist Samuel Otuo-Serebour, Managing Director of Drugnet Ghana, advocated for telepharmacy, noting its ability to save time, offer convenience, and maintain privacy. He stated, “Telepharmacy makes it easy for people to have quick access to medication in the comfort of their homes in real time.” He urged the industry to embrace telepharmacy due to its significant market potential and mentioned that Drugnet is seeking partners to expand the telemedicine sector.
Mr. Otuo-Serebour remarked that Drugnet is contributing to the evolution of Ghana’s healthcare landscape by ensuring that citizens have easy access to quality, safe, and affordable medications. He explained that Drugnet employs qualified nurses who are central to telepharmacy operations, ensuring that prescriptions are validated before dispatch. He emphasized that telemedicine aims to provide a more responsible method of medication delivery.
He cautioned that medications could be either lifesaving or fatal and underscored the crucial role pharmacists play in ensuring the safe use of drugs. He elaborated that Drugnet utilizes an AI-powered app that allows patients to communicate with pharmacists, chat, and place orders for chronic medications. The AI technology facilitates real-time patient interaction and the retrieval of medical data.
To prevent the misuse of medications online, Otuo-Serebour mentioned that telepharmacy backend operations are managed by certified pharmacists who are well-versed in prescriptions. The West Africa Pharma Healthcare Show, an international trade fair for the medical and pharmaceutical industry in Ghana, convened manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and distributors in the medical, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical sectors, along with hospitals and key decision-makers from West Africa.