Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana Backs 24-Hour Economy, Calls for Stronger Support for Round-the-Clock Pharmacy Services

Accra, Ghana – The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has thrown its support behind the government's flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative and the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market project, describing them as important steps toward improving healthcare access, creating jobs, and stimulating business growth.

 

The Society believes that with the right policy support, including enhanced security, tax incentives and guaranteed market access community pharmacies across the country will be better positioned to operate on a 24-hour basis, ensuring continuous access to essential medicines and pharmaceutical care.

 

The endorsement was announced by Dr. (Pharm.) Paul Owusu Donkor, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, during the Society's Second Quarter Meeting of its Ashanti Regional Branch.

 

The meeting was held under the theme:

"Securing Pharmacies for the 24-Hour Economy and Free Primary Healthcare Framework."

24-Hour Pharmacy Services to Improve Healthcare Access

Dr. Owusu Donkor said extending pharmacy operating hours would significantly improve healthcare delivery by making medicines and pharmaceutical services readily available, particularly for emergency cases, night-shift workers, and people requiring urgent medical attention outside normal business hours.

 

He disclosed that government officials had outlined several incentives under the 24-Hour Economy programme, including tax relief measures, improved security arrangements, and capacity-building programmes for pharmacists.

According to him, pharmacists play a broader role than dispensing medicines, contributing significantly to preventive healthcare, health promotion, and public education.

"Our services go beyond curative care. We are actively involved in preventive and promotive healthcare. Having pharmacies operate around the clock means Ghanaians will have greater access to quality healthcare services whenever they need them."

 

Industry Calls for Sustainable Implementation

While welcoming the initiative, the PSGH President urged government to work closely with industry stakeholders to address practical challenges that could affect successful implementation.

He identified key issues including security, staffing, reliable electricity supply, logistics, and operational costs as critical areas requiring attention to ensure that 24-hour pharmacy operations remain sustainable.

Government Investment in Specialist Healthcare Training Welcomed

Dr. Owusu Donkor also commended the government for allocating GH¢36.2 million through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) to support specialist training for more than 2,200 healthcare professionals, including 100 specialist pharmacists.

 

He described the investment as a significant step toward strengthening Ghana's healthcare workforce and addressing the shortage of specialist healthcare professionals in both the public and private sectors.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to the 24-Hour Economy

Delivering the keynote address, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene reaffirmed government's commitment to successfully implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy, particularly within the healthcare sector.

According to him, the initiative extends beyond longer business hours and is fundamentally about creating employment opportunities, increasing productivity, and ensuring continuous access to essential services.

"The 24-Hour Economy is not simply about keeping businesses open throughout the day. It is about creating jobs, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every Ghanaian can access healthcare whenever it is needed."

The Regional Minister assured pharmacists that government would collaborate with the Ghana Police Service, other security agencies, and local authorities to provide adequate security for pharmacies, markets, and other businesses operating around the clock.

 

Ashanti Region Positioned to Benefit

Dr. Amoakohene noted that the Ashanti Region, one of Ghana's major commercial centres, is well positioned to benefit from the policy.

He explained that extending pharmacy operating hours would ease pressure on hospital emergency departments by enabling patients to access medicines and professional pharmaceutical advice at any time of the day or night.

Pharmacists Encouraged to Support Free Primary Healthcare

On the government's Free Primary Healthcare Framework, the Regional Minister called on the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana to partner with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to intensify public education, particularly in underserved communities.

 

He said pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare professionals and can play a critical role in raising awareness about available healthcare services and encouraging greater community participation.

"Pharmacists are trusted voices within our communities. Your expertise is essential in helping citizens understand and access these healthcare services."

 

Strengthening Primary Healthcare Delivery

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both government and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana to work together in advancing the Free Primary Healthcare Framework while strengthening the role of pharmacists in delivering accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare across the country.

The Society believes that integrating pharmacies into Ghana's 24-Hour Economy will not only improve access to medicines but also contribute to healthier communities, increased economic activity, and a more resilient national healthcare system.

Key Highlights

• Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana endorses the government's 24-Hour Economy initiative.
• Society calls for enhanced security, tax incentives, and market support for 24-hour pharmacies.
• Extended pharmacy operations expected to improve access to medicines and emergency healthcare.
• Government commits GH¢36.2 million for specialist healthcare training under the MahamaCares initiative.
• Ashanti Regional Minister assures government support for secure, round-the-clock healthcare services.
• Pharmacists urged to support nationwide implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Framework through public education and community engagement.
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Source: Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH).