“We must all understand that, there is a need for us to stick to ethical business practices and avoid any sale of opioids to patients without prescriptions and even with prescriptions without interrogating the authenticity”, he stated.

Mr Botwe was addressing the 83rd annual General Meeting of the PSGH in Ho on Wednesday, which was on the theme “Building Capacity to Lead Change in Health Care”.

He said the PSGH recognised the challenge of drug abuse particularly of Tramadol and Codeine, and would continue to support government to deal with the menace through advocacy.

Mr Botwe said the Society would sensitise its members on identifying the problems at the community level, and had undertaken extensive public education in all ten regions to create awareness on Tramadol abuse, with “positive results”.

He further commended the Health Ministry, Food and Drugs Authority and the Pharmacy Council for enforcing restrictions on certain drugs, and asked pharmacists to continue to work for the safety and wellbeing of the population.