The Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana is demanding an end to the persistent delays in financial clearance for its newly graduated students.

The association says many qualified technicians have been left idling as dispensing and pharmacy units in public hospitals remain critically short-staffed.

They are requesting that the government sets aside a budget to accommodate the professionals to improve healthcare delivery.

Acting President of the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana, Richard Botwe, highlighted the impacts of the delays deployment on the livelihoods of new graduates.

Speaking at its annual conference, he emphasised that the Ministry of Finance should establish a clear and accelerated timetable for the financial clearance and placement of pharmacy technicians to support the health sector.

The 16th Annual general conference of the Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana assembled members across Ghana in forging ahead to improve the mandates of members.

The conference was held on the theme: “Transforming Pharmacy Technicians’ Education and Practice in Ghana, 50 years of Innovation, Excellence and Impact”.

Mr. Botwe advocated the active involvement of association members to significantly reduce drug abuse among the youth in Ghana.

The health professionals cited concerns over the threats illegal mining poses to pharmaceutical production and infusion services.

Dr Emmanuel Owusu Owiafe is the National Chairman of the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA).

He noted an increase in the number of patients suffering from kidney and liver diseases, which has become a serious problem for the country.

In light of this, the association is urgently calling on the government to take swift action against illegal mining.

Dr. Owiafe also mentioned that illegal mining makes it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to access quality water for infusions