The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has launched a major initiative to ensure the safe and rational use of medications, with a particular focus on opioids, in order to enhance patient care and safety.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop for core healthcare professionals, Dr Paa Kwasi Baidoo, CEO of KATH, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to fostering accountability and adherence to best practices in prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications. The workshop, organised in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), was themed: “Optimising the use of Opioids; The role and responsibilities of the healthcare provider.”
Dr Baidoo emphasised the need for a health system guided by clear protocols and policies, noting that gaps in opioid administration must be identified and addressed. “We aim to ensure compliance and best practices in storage, prescription, and administration,” he said, expressing optimism that the workshop would strengthen collective knowledge and establish harmonised strategies to safeguard patients.
Mr Nathanael Nkrumah, Ashanti Regional Head of the FDA, underscored the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the control, use, and disposal of opioids. He warned that mismanagement could lead to legal consequences, including loss of professional licenses or prosecution, and urged healthcare workers to prevent abuse and addiction.
Dr Moses Siaw-Frimpong, General Secretary of the Ghana Anaesthesiologists Society, added that the training would equip healthcare professionals to manage potential complications from opioid use and reinforce regulatory compliance. He stressed that while opioids remain critical in pain management, they require careful professional oversight to prevent misuse and addiction.
The initiative signals KATH’s proactive approach to patient safety, aiming to improve pharmaceutical practices while addressing the growing concerns surrounding opioid use in healthcare settings.
