The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has commenced a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening best practices in the use, storage, and administration of opioids within the facility.
The training, held 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, emphasized the importance of rational drug use in promoting high clinical standards.
He noted that although opioids play a crucial role in managing severe pain, their abuse can result in significant health and social consequences.
Dr. Baidoo expressed concern over inappropriate handling of opioids in some units at the hospital. He said this year’s workshop, themed “Optimizing the Use of Opioids: The Role and Responsibilities of the Healthcare Provider,” demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to improving patient safety and strengthening pharmaceutical practices.
Survey Reveals Gaps in Opioid Management
The CEO recalled that a survey conducted after the 2024 training session revealed several weaknesses, including inadequate storage systems, easy accessibility to opioids on the wards, and the absence of a clear 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 document would be refined with broad stakeholder input to ensure it meets governance and clinical standards.
He commended the hospital’s Director of Pharmacy and the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee for consistently organizing the annual workshop since its revival, noting that rational drug use remains a key indicator of quality clinical care in a specialist healthcare facility like KATH.
Strengthening Safe and Responsible Use
Dr. Baidoo urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stressing that opioid management requires a careful balance guided by scientific evidence and sound clinical judgment. He identified challenges such as 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 stated.
The workshop also seeks to remind medical staff of the need to comply fully with established protocols to ensure the safe use of opioids.
FDA Warns Against Illegal Handling
The Ashanti Regional Head of the FDA, Nathaniel Nkrumah, cautioned medical staff against the illegal handling of opioids. He warned that offenders could face severe sanctions under the Public Health Act.
“There are serious legal implications if opioids are mishandled. You could be fined or, in some cases, face imprisonment of between 15 and 25 years if the law determines it so,” he said.
Nkrumah added that opioid abuse poses risks to communities, often contributing to crime and unpredictable behavior among users.
Pharmaceutical Sector Raises Concern
A pharmacist, Dr. Samuel Amapene, noted that the pharmaceutical community is also concerned about the rising misuse of opioids and other painkillers. He partly attributed the problem to some prescribers who issue opioid medications too readily.
“This is something we have observed patients walk in with pain-related complaints, and sometimes prescribers are quick to give opioids. This contributes to growing dependence,” he said.
Dr. Amapene explained that the workshop aims to guide healthcare providers on proper assessment of pain-related cases, appropriate questioning techniques, and suitable management protocols.
He further advised clinicians to avoid disclosing the full extent of opioid availability or usage to patients, saying it could inadvertently encourage misuse.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
