Accra, July 2, 2025 — The role of community pharmacists in Ghana’s healthcare system took centre stage at the launch of the 3rd Community Pharmacy Month Celebration (3CPMC), held at the British Council Hall in Accra. Under the theme “We Are Doing More – Consult Your Pharmacist!”, the event highlighted the growing contributions of pharmacists to health promotion, disease prevention, and overall primary healthcare delivery.
Delivering the keynote address, Pharm. Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, former Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, praised community pharmacists for their evolving role and challenged them to be even more visible in national healthcare reforms. She acknowledged their contribution to services such as chronic disease management, medication therapy management, triaging and referrals, and supporting self-care—asserting that these are essential components of modern primary healthcare.
Dr. Gyansa-Lutterodt noted that the unique proximity of pharmacists to the public makes them natural first responders in healthcare. “Your availability in the evenings and your rooted presence within communities position you as game changers in the new era of MahamaCare,” she said. She emphasized that the work of community pharmacists must be recognized and reflected in policy, data systems, and public health strategy.
She called on the Pharmacy Council and health authorities to ensure that data generated from community pharmacy practices—such as malaria testing—are aggregated at the district level and integrated into national health data systems. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with District Health Management Teams, suggesting that pharmacists must move from operating in silos to engaging as full members of local health planning processes.
Beyond service delivery, the keynote speaker stressed the importance of digital transformation in pharmacy practice. She encouraged the adoption of e-pharmacy platforms, electronic health records, and data analytics to track outcomes and shape public health responses. Dr. Gyansa-Lutterodt also urged community pharmacists to invest in customer experience, staff training, and research collaborations, and to take full advantage of specialist training opportunities tailored for pharmacy support staff.
Turning to the wider profession, she acknowledged the “Hire Pharmacists Now” campaign led by the Early Career Pharmacists Group, describing it as a brave and necessary call for recognition and opportunity. “They may not yet have all the language to articulate the issues perfectly, but they are fighting for the soul of this profession,” she remarked. Quoting John Wooden, she added, “Young people need models, not critics,” and encouraged the senior generation of pharmacists to mentor and support the younger cadre.
The event, chaired by Pharm. Dr. Esther Amedzro, brought together key figures in pharmacy practice and regulation, including Pharm. Kwabena Offei Asante, Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), and Pharm. Michael Kudebong Esq., Registrar of the Pharmacy Council. It also featured a bazaar showcasing pharmaceutical products and services.
As the 3CPMC celebration continues throughout July, the message is clear: pharmacists are indispensable partners in achieving universal health coverage. And as Dr. Gyansa-Lutterodt concluded, “Let us do more—but let us also make sure the world knows we are doing more.”
