Pharmacy Council Revolutionizing Pharmaceutical Care in Ghana: The National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP)
D.A Danquah1, A. Rauf1, D.S Marfo2, G. Afrifa2, J.S Marfo2, E. A. Kolog3, R. Boateng3, A. Koduah4, M. Acheampong2, J. Dedume2
1 Pharmacy Council, Ghana.
2 RX Health Info Systems.
3 University of Ghana Business School.
4 University of Ghana School of Pharmacy.
August (2023) pp 20-26 DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/gpj.2023103
Published online 31st August 2023.
© 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license
ABSTRACT
Purpose
This article aims to highlight the distribution and growing acceptance of electronic pharmacies through the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) among Ghanaian citizens.
Methodology
A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted, analyzing transaction data from 84 out of the 226 electronic pharmacies registered with NEPP. The data was assessed numerically to present a detailed statistical overview of medication utilization trends in Ghana.
Findings
Even though NEPP was only introduced in 2023, there’s evident growing interest among pharmacies. The growth potential is considerable, further amplified by ongoing awareness campaigns and training initiatives.
Research implications
The regulation of pharmacy practices and the growth of electronic pharmacies in Africa highlight the urgency for member countries to adopt and adapt to the NEPP model.
Practical implications
This study underscores the transformational capabilities of NEPP and its potential long-lasting effect on Ghana’s healthcare framework.
Social Implications
A significant observation is the elevated prescription rate for antibacterial medications. This might indicate a surge in bacterial infections within the Ghanaian populace, particularly those tied to respiratory issues. Addressing these infections and heightening awareness about diseases related to antibacterials is essential.
Originality/value
Our results offer valuable insights for the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the Pharmacy Council as they strategize on addressing antibacterial-related health concerns. Moreover, NEPP’s success in Ghana may motivate other nations to adopt similar systems, aiming to enhance their healthcare provisions.
© The Author(s) 2023. Published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.