To enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare services in line with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030 agenda, the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with WHO Ghana, has launched the second edition of its "Standards and Practice Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Services" (SPGPS). This initiative, aimed at bolstering access to high-quality pharmaceutical services, marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector.
In his keynote address, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, articulated the Service’s commitment to adopting innovative methods to extend access to essential healthcare. He emphasized that the updated guidelines are “reflective of current policies and healthcare delivery standards,” underscoring the Service’s unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare quality and accessibility throughout Ghana. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye elaborated that this rollout promises not only improved patient outcomes and safety but also streamlined National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims related to medicines, greater integration of clinical pharmacy into institutional care, and expanded support for pharmaceutical services within the recently launched Network of Practice facilities.
Dr. Angela Ackon, representing WHO Country Representative Dr. Frank Lule, echoed WHO’s endorsement of this initiative. “This rollout is essential as it targets improved health outcomes through the standardization and harmonization of pharmaceutical services,” she noted, expressing confidence that the guidelines will enhance patient care and bolster the security of health commodities nationwide. Dr. Ackon reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to aiding Ghana in delivering healthcare that aligns with UHC standards.
Dr. Dominic Otchere, Director for Pharmaceutical Services at Ghana Health Service, acknowledged both the strides and the challenges within Ghana's pharmaceutical services landscape. He highlighted issues like essential medicine shortages, inappropriate medication use, and the patient safety risks associated with substandard products. According to Dr. Otchere, this SPGPS rollout represents a “pivotal milestone” in addressing these challenges and advancing Ghana toward achieving UHC by 2030. He emphasized that “access to essential medicines will serve as a critical measure of success.”
Dr. Otchere further advocated for integrating key SPGPS components into the Ghana Health Service Institute (GHIS) curriculum, embedding these guidelines within the Pharmacy Council’s Continuous Professional Development programs, and prioritizing the recruitment of pharmaceutical professionals, including pharmacists and technicians, to ensure effective implementation.
The nationwide launch unfolded during a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, where chief pharmacists and selected professionals from across Ghana gathered to equip themselves with the skills necessary to implement the SPGPS guidelines at the national level.
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