The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called on government to prioritize the review of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), describing it as outdated and a constraint to the advancement of modern pharmacy practice in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society at the University of Cape Coast, outgoing President, Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, noted that the pharmacy profession has evolved rapidly in recent years, with pharmacists increasingly involved in clinical care, digital health, and public health interventions. However, the current law does not adequately capture these roles.
“Act 857, in its current form, places unnecessary limitations on the scope of pharmacy practice. It fails to recognize the expanded responsibilities of pharmacists in primary healthcare, digital service delivery, and collaborative care models,” Dr. Donkoh emphasized.
He stressed that a review of the law would:
- Align regulations with international best practices.
- Formally recognize new pharmacy roles such as medication therapy management, immunization, and chronic disease care.
- Facilitate digital innovations and telepharmacy.
- Strengthen regulation of medicines and practice settings to ensure patient safety.
The call comes at a time when pharmacists are pushing for full integration into Ghana’s primary healthcare system and greater recognition as essential members of the healthcare team.
“The future of healthcare demands flexibility, innovation, and collaboration. A modernized Act 857 will unlock the full potential of pharmacists to improve health outcomes and expand access to quality care,” Dr. Donkoh added.
The AGM, themed “Strengthening Pharmacy for Primary Healthcare,” brought together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery.