Obuasi (Ash), Oct 3, GNA 96 The Obuasi Municipal Health Directorate has initiated series of workshops aimed at ensuring efficient implementation of the new national anti-malaria drug policy. The workshops are being attended by health providers in both public and private health facilities and included doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other staff.

Speaking at the opening of one of such workshops at the Obuasi Government Hospital, Dr Samuel Osei-Somuah, the Municipal Director of Health Services, said the directorate was adhering strictly to the use of artesunate and amodiaquine combinations in the treatment of malaria. Dr Osei-Somuah added that the drug was weight-based and that the body weight of the patient was essential in the administration of the drug.

Dr V.A. Mensah, Medical Superintendent of the Obuasi Government Hospital, advised the participants to be mindful of the administration of the drug.

He said the new anti-malaria drug policy was adopted in 2005 to replace chloroquine.

Dr Mensah said the programme drug of artesunate and amodiaquine combination had been colour-coded to promote easy identification and that the tablets should also be scored for easy division into smaller strengths.

Touching on complicated malaria treatment, Dr Mensah said under the new policy, quinine is the drug for complicated malaria treatment and cautioned against the non-observance of the prescribed dosage and application.