Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has appealed to government to as a matter urgency, pay the outstanding allowances owed to pharmacy house officers.
Describing the prolonged delay as “troubling and unfair,” Otumfuo expressed concern for the young professionals who have completed their housemanship yet remain unpaid.
The Asantehene made the appeal at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) in Kumasi.
The event was also attended by the Paramount Chief of Kumawu, Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua,
Otumfuo emphasised the importance of these allowances to the pharmacists in recognising their contributions to public health.
Accordingly, he reiterated his call on government to prioritise and expedite the immediate payment of the allowances.
The Asantehene also highlighted the critical need for more pharmacists within government hospitals, stating that many facilities operate without adequate pharmacy staff, creating significant gaps in healthcare delivery.
In response, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the Deputy Minister for Health, assured attendees that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are progressing well, aiming to secure financial clearance for the recruitment of pharmacists to fill existing vacancies.
Additionally, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Presidential Advisor on Health, affirmed that the President is committed to ensuring that all health facilities are staffed with qualified pharmacists, emphasising the administration’s focus on improving the healthcare sector.
