Over 400 Pharmacy technicians unemployed as PTAG calls for more jobs, tighter drug controls

The Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana (PTAG) has urged the government to create more jobs for unemployed pharmacy technicians, currently numbering over 4,000. PTAG President Michael Gyamprah announced that the Association secured permission to employ 150 technicians, who are in the process of being posted to their districts.

This step, made at the association's 17th Annual General Conference in Sunyani, falls short of the thousands of trained technicians seeking employment. PTAG is pushing for additional job opportunities with the Ministry of Health and stronger supervision of training institutions by the Pharmacy Council. Gyamprah emphasized the need for higher allocations for pharmacy practitioners and stricter enforcement of laws limiting non-qualified professionals from dispensing certain medicines.

He also advocated for the merger between the Ghana Hospital Pharmacists Association and PTAG to improve pharmaceutical care. Additionally, Gyamprah suggested installing CCTV cameras in pharmacies and hospitals to deter theft and improving the procurement process to involve multiple registered companies and trained professionals.

He stressed that corruption in the pharmaceutical sector can be reduced through stronger checks and the involvement of pharmacy professionals in procurement processes. Gyamprah concluded by calling for collective efforts from health workers, the government, and the public to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.