The Executive Council of the Ghana Chamber of Pharmacy has extended a congratulatory message to the Minister designate for Health, Ms. Hanny Sherry Ayittey for her nomination.

A statement signed by Godfred Adjei, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Pharmacy to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, urges the Minister-designate to use her experience to address challenges in the sector, especially the discrepancies and difficulties facing pharmacists on the Single Spine Salary Structure.

It says the Minister after assumption of office should prioritize issues of fake drugs on the markets that pose serious threat to quality health delivery in the country.

INTERPOL estimates that fake drugs constitute 30% of all medications imported into Africa and the statement entreats the Minister-designate when approve by Parliament to take this canker up and implement strategies and policies to nip the fake drug menace.

It also entreats Ms. Hanny Sherry Ayittey to take drastic steps to ensure that Ghana attains the WHO recommended ratio of one pharmacist per 2000 population to guarantee quality pharmaceutical service delivery.

It adds that currently the ratio stands at one pharmacist per 12,700 people.

It says according to the pharmaceutical society of Ghana (PSGH), 70% of district hospitals in the three northern regions are without pharmacists while there are unemployed pharmacists in the labour market and urges the in-coming minister to take immediate steps to address that.

The statement further urges her to collaborate and coordinate with other ministries such as the Trade and Industry and institutions like the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Free Zones Board and other bodies to develop policies and strategies to address challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.

It says the Chamber of Pharmacy has much confidence in the Minister-designate and believe she will deliver well through her political, managerial, and administrative experience.