Pharmaceutical Society warns of growing liver illnesses linked to unregulated drug sales

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has issued a serious warning. There is an alarming rise in liver-related illnesses in the country. This increase is largely due to drug abuse from unlicensed sellers.

Currently, 2.8 million Ghanaians live with Hepatitis B. Each year, 14,000 deaths are recorded from this disease. Reverend Dr. Dennis Sena Awitty, the society's Executive Secretary, says unregulated alternative medicines worsen the crisis. These medicines often contain harmful substances.

Dr. Awitty stated, “We will continue to lose thousands of lives if we don't address the root causes.” He emphasized the need to regulate drug manufacture and distribution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also raised concerns. Liver diseases, especially Hepatitis B, are now leading causes of death in Ghana. Many people seek unregulated and counterfeit treatments instead of standard care.

Dr. Amoako Duah is a gastroenterologist at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. He is worried about rising treatment costs for liver diseases. He urges the government to include these treatments in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This would help make them affordable for everyone.

Dr. Duah said, “The financial burden of managing liver conditions is becoming unbearable.” He called for urgent action to ensure access to life-saving treatments.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana wants the government to invest in local pharmaceutical production. This investment could provide safe and effective medications for citizens long-term. They advise Ghanaians to be cautious when buying medications from unlicensed sellers and prioritize trusted sources.