Tarkwa, Sept. 6, GNA - Mr Osei Boamah, the Western Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Chemical Sellers Association (GNCSA), on Monday, said the increasing rate of selling drugs in buses, in the rural areas and in unapproved container shops, could endanger the health of many Ghanaians.

He said it was sad that many people continually purchased drugs in buses, from wandering drug peddlers and at unapproved places without ascertaining the expiry date, country of origin and manufacturers, among others.

Mr Boamah said this at the second delegates congress of the association at Tarkwa over the weekend. He said the activities of quark doctors and the peddling of drugs in baskets and other unapproved receptacles could pose a danger to many innocent people in many parts of the country and called on Ghanaians to stop patronising such services. Mr Boamah said, even though the advent of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) improved the health delivery system in the country, it has had a serious impact on their operations. "Many of our clients have left for big pharmacy shops and other business entities that have large capital and have out-competed us", he stressed. He said though some chemical sellers have been accredited by the National Health Insurance Council (NHIC), the undue delay in the reimbursement was collapsing their businesses and appealed to the National Health Insurance Council to make payments promptly and regular to minimise the financial constraints that they undergo. Mr Boamah was returned unopposed as the Chairman for another four year tenure. The members of the new executive include Mr Samuel E. Cudjoe, Vice Chairman, who polled 47 votes to defeat two others. Mr Yaw Ofosuhene Debrah was also returned unopposed as the secretary whiles Mr M. Cudjeo polled 54 votes to pick the position of assistant secretary.

The rest are Elisabeth Siaw treasurer, Mr Peter Okai Asare financial secretary, whiles the assistant secretary and organiser positions went to Smile Kwame and Mr Dan Mireku-Buabeng respectively. Mr Boamah after his election, thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and appealed to them to assist him during his tenure. He urged members of the association to abide by the rules of the Pharmacy Council and avoid acts that could lead to the revocation of their license. 6 Sept. 10