Pharmacy Council warns firms to enroll on NEPP by 2025 or risk no registration
By Prince O. DOGBEY
The Ghana Pharmacy Council has cautioned all pharmaceutical firms operating in Ghana to enroll on the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) to avoid the risk of facilities not being registered or licensed by 2025.
The council emphasized that this step is crucial as the country transitions towards a more digitized era, where facilities are closely monitored to ensure effective operations.
The caution was also supported by the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), tasked with licensing and overseeing facilities for both public and private healthcare services.
The caution was conveyed during a panel forum at the third edition of the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition and Conference, where stakeholders discussed “Positioning Pharmaceutical Companies to take Advantage of the Digital Revolution in Pharmacy and AI in Healthcare Delivery.”
Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Registrar of the Ghana Pharmacy Council, emphasized during the panel that as the world and its industries evolve, so must the healthcare sector to meet the growing demands of the rapidly increasing population by embracing digitalization.
He elaborated that the NEPP serves as a platform to ensure safe and secure access to medications and pharmaceutical services in Ghana through internet-based applications like online pharmacies, websites, social media, and e-commerce platforms, thereby safeguarding public health.
He emphasized the platform’s significance, urging universal adoption, as it enables the Council and regulatory bodies to maintain comprehensive data systems of all pharmaceutical companies and their products.
This, he stated, will ensure prevention of the proliferation of unauthorized companies not sanctioned by the Council and HeFRA, thereby safeguarding public health.
“We are transitioning from the paper system to digital means, and the NEPP platform is a powerful tool we are leveraging to revolutionize the healthcare industry,” he said.
When queried about public awareness of the NEPP, the registrar noted that awareness initiatives would commence shortly.
He further stated that the government’s efforts to expand network access to remote areas are commendable, ensuring their inclusion on the electronic platform for proper monitoring and evaluation.
Furthermore, Dr. Danquah highlighted that certain pharmaceutical firms are involved in unlawful practices, emphasizing that any found guilty would face punishment according to the council’s regulations.
He noted ongoing investigations into firms defying these laws.
Mr. Agyeman Badu, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at HeFRA, echoed the sentiment, stressing that all pharmaceutical companies must adhere to the directive of registering on the NEPP platform to avoid being unregistered after 2025.
He further announced that the agency is developing its accreditation policy, indicating a forthcoming certification and accreditation process.
He explained that the Pharmacy Council aims to establish a rigorous evaluation framework for assessing pharmaceutical companies comprehensively.
The Director explained that this initiative will “separate the boys from the men,” distinguishing between companies meeting basic requirements and those demonstrating superior competence and quality.
Pharm. Samuel Otuo-Serebour, Managing Director at Drugnet, highlighted how AI and technology are reshaping the healthcare landscape in Ghana and globally.
However, he urged all pharmaceutical firms to enroll on the platform to cause change by ensuring pharmaceutical products are easily accessible to everyone in the nation.
The exhibition and conference are expected to foster collaboration, innovative thinking, and provide solutions to the challenges faced by the healthcare industry in delivering services.
It brought together various pharmaceutical firms across the world.
