Pharmacy Council pushes telemedicine to bridge healthcare access gaps

Dr. Daniel Amaning, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, highlighted the importance of telemedicine. He believes it can expand healthcare and meet patient needs in Ghana.

Telemedicine offers significant benefits, especially in areas with limited healthcare facilities. It increases access to medicine and reduces medical costs. Dr. Amaning spoke at the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo in Accra on May 2025.

He explained that telemedicine provides remote clinical services through audio-visual communication. This includes virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and sharing medical information. These services are particularly beneficial for those with limited healthcare access.

Dr. Amaning also discussed the National Electronic Pharmacy (NEP). He said it will enhance pharmaceutical regulation and promote safe medication access. NEP will help regulate telemedicine and prevent certain medications from being dispensed online.

He called for more collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry to advance telemedicine in Ghana. Pharmacist Samuel Otuo-Serebour, Managing Director of Drugnet Ghana, supported this view. He stated that telepharmacy saves time and ensures patient privacy.

“Telepharmacy allows quick access to medication from home,” he said. He urged the industry to embrace telepharmacy due to its market potential. Drugnet is seeking partners to expand the telemedicine sector.

Mr. Otuo-Serebour emphasized Drugnet's role in shaping healthcare in Ghana. They ensure access to quality, safe, and affordable medications through certified nurses in telepharmacy. “The goal is responsible medication delivery,” he explained.

He warned that medications can be lifesaving or fatal, stressing pharmacists' critical role in safety. Drugnet uses an AI-powered app for patients to communicate with pharmacists easily. This app allows real-time engagement and efficient data retrieval.

To prevent misuse of medications online, certified pharmacists manage telepharmacy operations carefully. The West Africa Pharma Healthcare Show is an international trade fair for medical industries held in Ghana this year.

It brought together manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, distributors, hospitals, and decision-makers from across West Africa.