The Pharmacy Council has organized a training on the 2024 Manual for Over-The-Counter Medicine Sellers (OTCMS) at Yendi funded by Total Family Health Organization through USAID.
Similar trainings had been held at Zabzugu, West Gonja, Bimbilla, Salaga and Tamale.
The topics discussed include, the Management of acute diarrhea in children under five years old, practices standard for (OTCMS), class of medicines to be stocked and supplied by an OTCMS, enforcement of standards, specific offences among others.
Mr. Edmon Edmund Acting General Manager of Northern, North East and Savannah Regions announced this during the 2024 training manual for Over-The-Counter Medicine Sellers (OTCMS) at Yendi in the Northern Region.
Mr. Edmond said the objective of the training was to improve standards in pharmaceutical service, delivery in OTCMS shops to be able to explain the standards of practice, offences and sanctions, and to promote rational use of medicines.
He therefore advised OTCMS to adhere to rational use of medicines they sell to their clients after acquiring knowledge, skills and integrity to practise within agreed standards.
Mr. Edmond reminded them that Over-The-Counter medicines also known as OTCs were Medicines that could be bought without prescriptions and available for self-selection from the shelves and generally OTC medicines were bought without prescription as they were safer to use.
On counselling/information and advice, the Acting General Manager said OTCMS must seek to ensure that customers had sufficient information and advice to ensure safety.
He cautioned them that OTCMS was not permitted under Section 110 1(b) of Act 857 to use titles like Chemists, Druggist or any similar name on their signboards.
He said drawings of persons and medicines on signboards were not allowed and any company supplying signboards must be cleared by the Council to ensure compliance to standards.
He said the signboard should be on blue background with white writing without it the holder of the license would be made to pay penalties for the offence and advised them to read their 2024 training manual to be abreast with rules and regulations.
Source: GNA
