We are not threats, association tells Pharmacy Council

The Association of Medicine Counter Assistants Ghana (AMCAG), has called on the pharmacy council to regularise their operations, stating that they are not threats to the council.

At an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra, President of the association, Mr David Donkor said, the Pharmacy Council of Ghana is solely responsible for accreditation of institutions providing training for Medicine Counter Assistants (MCAs), as well as the renewal of their certificates.

However, he said that the accreditation of these training institutions and the renewal of their certificates have been suspended, leaving their members in limbo.

Perceived Threats

According to Mr Donkor, the perception that they are threats and in competition with pharmacists are not true.

"Rather, we are there to complement the works and efforts of pharmacists in the delivery of health care", he noted.

He further reiterated that the role of the MCAs remain relevant hence the need to resolve issues surrounding their accreditation and renewal of their certificates.

Petitions

Mr Donkor also mentioned that at their 2016 annual general meeting, they sent a petition to the then Minister of Health, Mr Alex Segbefia through his representatives to help the association meet certain basic needs of the profession to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of their duties.

He disclosed that, however, a year on, they are yet to receive a response to their petition.

He has appealed to the current Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu and the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council to pay some attention to their needs and help in resolving the discrepancies with their operations.