Accra, May 29, 2024 – The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Pharm. Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, delivered an inspiring and insightful speech at the induction ceremony for newly qualified pharmacists held at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. The ceremony, which saw the induction of the latest cohort of pharmacists into the noble profession, was a    graced by distinguished guests, including the Chairperson of the Pharmacy Council, Pharm. Mrs. Doris Fosu-Hemma Addae Afoakwah, the Minister for Health, Honourable Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, and the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah.

In his address, Pharm. Dr. Donkoh extended heartfelt congratulations to the new pharmacists, expressing his excitement in welcoming them as colleagues. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, continuous learning, and ethical practice in their new roles.

The Role of PSGH

Pharm. Dr. Donkoh highlighted the significance of being a member of the PSGH, referencing section 9 of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, 1961 (Act 64), which mandates that every registered pharmacist in Ghana automatically becomes a member of the PSGH, designated as MPSGH. He stressed that membership in the PSGH is seen as an indicator of integrity, ethics, trust, and expertise. He encouraged the new pharmacists to proudly display their MPSGH designation on their business cards and to actively participate in PSGH activities.

Patient-Centered Practice

The president emphasized the shift in the pharmacy profession from a product-centered to a patient-centered practice. He urged the newly inducted pharmacists to always prioritize the welfare of their patients, regardless of their chosen area of practice. “Pharmaceutical care is our obligation, and ultimately, we want to deliver the best of it to our clients or patients,” he stated.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Pharm. Dr. Donkoh underscored the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). He advised the pharmacists to stay updated with new medications, devices, and technologies, and to embrace continuous learning as a lifestyle rather than merely a means to earn credit points. “The motivation to engage in CPD should be to enhance your competencies,” he noted.

Exploring Diverse Opportunities

The president encouraged the new pharmacists to explore various career opportunities beyond the traditional practice areas. He mentioned fields such as vaccinology, pharmacogenomics, health informatics, health insurance, sports medicine, and many others, urging them to pursue their interests passionately and to consider specialization and postgraduate training.

Professional Appearance and Conduct

Pharm. Dr. Donkoh highlighted the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and conduct. He advised the pharmacists to dress in formal business attire and, for those in clinical and community settings, to wear a clean and neatly pressed PSGH-branded pharmacy white coat and a name tag. “Adhering to a professionally inspired dress code is an important element of professionalism,” he said.

Good Citizenship and Ethical Practice

The president called on the pharmacists to be good citizens, uphold and defend the laws of the nation, and keep themselves informed of laws governing their practice. He cautioned against unethical practices such as absenteeism without proper arrangements and emphasized the need for pharmacists to support and cooperate with enforcement authorities.

Pharm. Dr. Donkoh reminded the new pharmacists of their professional accountability and the importance of upholding ethical principles, which he described as the moral compass guiding their actions. He stressed the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, urging them to prioritize patient welfare and to exercise caution in their decision-making processes.

Conclusion

In closing, Pharm. Dr. Donkoh urged the newly inducted pharmacists to embrace the principles of ethics with unwavering dedication. He quoted Davis Maister, saying, “Professional is not a label you give yourself – it’s a description you hope others will apply to you.” He expressed hope that the new pharmacists would be seen as true “amicus humani generis” (friend of the human race) in their professional interactions.