Bolgatanga: The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a warning to Over The Counter (OTC) medicine sellers, cautioning them against admitting and treating patients within their shops. This warning was delivered by the Acting Regional Head, Mr. Abel Ndego, who noted that some OTC shop owners engaging in this practice are health professionals themselves.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ndego highlighted instances where facilities intended to operate as OTC medicine shops were found administering drips and treating patients. He emphasized that these operations must adhere to legal frameworks and that OTC shops are not accredited to manage patients. The caution was given during a training workshop organized by the FDA in the Bolgatanga Municipality, aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance among pharmacy and OTC medicine sellers in the region.
The workshop sought to educate participants on their legal obligations under Act 851 of the Public Health Act 2012 and to familiarize them with FDA guidelines designed to promote public health and safety through responsible retail practices. Mr. Ndego reiterated that even qualified medical doctors operating OTC shops must restrict their activities to selling OTC medicines unless they follow procedures to open an accredited clinic.
Mr. Ndego also warned against the sale of expired medicines, urging operators to check expiry dates on received consignments to ensure they are not selling outdated products. He stated that expired products should not remain on shelves as they are intended for sale.
Mr. Alfred Nyantakyi, the Upper East Regional Director of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, revealed that two OTC shops in the Talensi District were closed after investigations confirmed they were operating as clinics. The cases have been forwarded to Accra for disciplinary action due to a change in government affecting the Council’s committee reconstitution.
Mr. Ibrahim Wuni Mahama, Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the OTC Medicine Sellers Association, expressed gratitude to the FDA for the training, acknowledging that the knowledge would enhance their operations. He admitted awareness of some members treating clients in their shops and warned that the Association would not support members arrested for such illegal practices.