The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has opened a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening best practices in the use, storage, and administration of opioids within the facility.
The two days workshop , which started from November 26 to 27, brought together hospital management, healthcare professionals, officials from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and representatives of the lead sponsor, Medichem Pharmaceuticals.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. (Med) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, underscored the importance of rational drug use in maintaining high clinical standards.
He said the workshop’s theme “Optimizing the Use of Opioids: The Role and Responsibilities of the Healthcare Provider” — reflects the hospital’s commitment to improving patient safety and pharmaceutical practices.
Dr. Baidoo commended the hospital’s Director of Pharmacy and the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee for consistently organizing the annual workshop since its revival.
He noted that rational drug use is a critical indicator of quality clinical care, especially in a facility striving for excellence in specialist healthcare delivery.
The CEO recalled that last year’s workshop highlighted several gaps in the management of opioids at the hospital.
A survey conducted after the 2024 session revealed challenges such as inadequate storage systems, easy accessibility of opioids on the wards, and the absence of a clear protocol or policy governing their use.
“These issues informed the development of a draft policy, which will be the focus of this year’s discussions,” Dr. Baidoo said.
He added that the intention is to refine the document with broad stakeholder input to ensure it meets best governance and clinical standards.
Strengthening Safe and Responsible Opioid Use
Dr. Baidoo urged participants to actively contribute to the workshop, stressing that opioid management requires a balanced approach grounded in scientific evidence and clinical judgment.
He pointed to common challenges including under- and over-prescription, poor monitoring, improper storage, self-medication, and limited staff and patient awareness as areas requiring strengthened systems and accountability.
“As caregivers and custodians of public health, it is our responsibility to ensure that the benefits of opioid therapy are maximized while minimizing potential harm,” he said.
Dr. Baidoo expressed gratitude to the Food and Drugs Authority for its collaboration and to Medichem Pharmaceuticals for sponsoring the event.
He wished participants a productive workshop and thanked them for their dedication to improving patient care.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
