Pharmacists in Kumasi have Marked World Pharmacists Day with a call on Ghanaians to stay away from self medication and purchasing of drugs from unapproved sales points.

As part of the events, the Ashanti region chapter of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Society on Tuesday held a medical screening and free advice on drugs for the public.

The outreach which came off at the Kumasi City Mall was to celebrate the annual event which was marked on the theme “Pharmacists Your Medical Experts.”

The Pharmacists Day is held annually to recognise the roles pharmacists play in drug manufacturing and disease control.

It is also celebrated to draw attention to the interventions needed to improve the work of pharmacists.

Speaking to Ultimate News’ Ivan Heathcote – Fumador  on the sidelines of the program; the Ashanti Regional Vice President of the Ghana Pharmaceutical Society Kwame Obiri Yeboah explained that the event formed part of their responsibility to give back to the society.

“We are bringing our skill, abilities and knowledge out here for the benefit of the society and ensuring that people will use drugs appropriately and not abuse drugs like tramadol. We are also appealing to all our colleagues in various health facilities to go out there and reach out some quality service to the people.”

Pharmacist Kwame Obiri Yeboah also sounded a caution to the public to desist from self medication and taking unprescribed drugs which could be injurious to their health.

Regional secretary of the PSG Pham Dr Samuel Amoabeng Kontor also warned the public against buying medications from self-styled medics peddling all kinds of drugs at lorry stations, on the road side and in the various food markets in town.

He questioned, “Supposing you were going to buy gold, would you just go to Kejetia or anyone who says this is gold to buy? You want to go to places that are recognized to buy your gold. What about medicine that can kill you?”