In a significant move towards leveraging technology for enhanced healthcare delivery, six senior pharmacists have called upon the pharmaceutical industry to embrace the digital ecosystem. This call was made during a panel discussion at the third West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Conference held in Accra, Ghana.
The panel discussion, titled “Positioning Pharmaceutical Companies to Take Advantage of the Digital Revolution in Pharmacy and AI in Healthcare Delivery,” highlighted the importance of digital innovation in the sector and the need for collaboration to fund such initiatives more affordably.
Joining the discussion were eminent personalities such as Dr. (Med) Agyeman Badu, the Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), and Dr. (Pharm) Daniel Amaning, the esteemed Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. Both experts emphasized the pressing need for collaboration among industry stakeholders to explore sustainable and cost-effective avenues for funding digital innovations.
The panel further included distinguished representatives such as Frank Torblu, the General Secretary of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG), Audrey Serwaa Bonsu, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, and Laura Montis, a representative from EMEA & Agilent Technologies of France and MES Equipment Ltd.
“Unlike before clients had to pick forms, fill them, and submit them at our offices, now with just a click on our platform, you can download the form, fill it, and submit it instantly. We have gone as far as giving them the liberty to choose dates for inspection, among others. This has made things easier and there is a lot up our sleeves, all in the bid to make the health sector better and easily accessible.”
Dr. (Pharm) Daniel Amaning, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana
The panelists underscored the critical role of digital technologies in transforming healthcare services, from improving patient care to streamlining administrative processes. They acknowledged the challenges associated with implementing digital solutions, including affordability and the need for training. However, they also highlighted the potential benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and the ability to reach underserved populations.
The call for collaboration among industry players to explore more affordable funding mechanisms for digital innovations was a central theme of the discussion. The panelists suggested exploring public-private partnerships, seeking grants and subsidies, and leveraging technological advancements to reduce costs.
In his submission, Dr. Agyeman Badu Badu also noted that technology had impacted the services they rendered. “Most services now are online, renewal of licenses, monitoring, inspection, every finding is documented online so it makes tracking things much easier but we can do more and we will do it,” Dr. Agyeman Badu Badu revealed.
For the part of the Chamber of Pharmacy, Ms Audrey Serwaa Bonsu said with the use of technology, her firm collected data and disseminated it digitally which saved a lot of time.
They also emphasized the importance of regulatory support and the need for a conducive environment that encourages innovation and adoption of digital technologies in the pharmaceutical sector.
Subsequently, Ms. Laura Montis stated that pharmaceutical companies were now after simplicity due to technology, which impacted their services.
Together, these luminaries articulated a collective vision for a future where technological advancements intersect seamlessly with healthcare delivery, ultimately improving accessibility, affordability, and efficacy of medical services nationwide.
This panel discussion marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to integrate digital technologies into healthcare delivery in Ghana and across West Africa. It underscores the commitment of the pharmaceutical industry to harness the power of digital innovation to improve healthcare outcomes and access for all.
As the pharmaceutical industry navigates the digital frontier, this clarion call serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential that lies within the convergence of healthcare and technology.
With concerted effort and collaboration, stakeholders stand poised to usher in a new era of healthcare excellence, driven by innovation, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all citizens.
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