Galamsey impact: Patients are not responding to treatment – Ghana Pharmacy Technician Association

The Pharmacy Technician Association of Ghana (PTAG) has joined the national uproar over the escalating spate of illegal mining with its debilitating effects on the well-being of the people. 

The Association has hinted at an emerging patient resistance to some drugs used in treating patients with illegal mining (galamsey) side effects.

Pollutants, particularly heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic are often released during the gold separation process, where chemicals like cyanide, sulphuric acid, and nitric acid are often used.

According to Mr Richard Ofosu Addai, President of the Association, the continuous use of poisonous chemicals had resulted in the surge of serious uncommon diseases of recent times.

“A serious national health danger is imminent and alarming. We are at a point where many patients are developing resistance to the known medications administered to patients with galamsey side effects.”

Besides the rising cost of treatment for such diseases and affordability, he questioned how one could manage the failure of a doctor’s prescription to treat an ailment because of someone’s negligence in mining.

Mr Addai was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the Association’s 15th Annual General Conference, held at the University of Cape Coast.

The conference was themed: “Addressing the global antimicrobial resistance: A call for patient education and collaboration.”

Mr Addai pointed out the stark reality the nation was facing at this critical juncture of the escalating illegal mining menace, must be tackled head-on.

He queried why, the government had not been able to declare a crackdown on illegal mining after more than seven years in office.

“The country is still grappling with these illegal miners who were continually wreaking havoc on both land and water resources.

‘It was imperative that the government promptly prohibited all forms of artisanal mining to cleanse the sector and safeguard the environment, he stressed.

He also endorsed the united efforts of groups and associations in combating the illicit mining activity, which was a looming threat to both humanity and the ecosystem.

Nevertheless, Mr Addai urged Pharmacy Technicians to cultivate a harmonious rapport with patients, educating them on the proper utilization of medications to address issues of misuse and abuse.

He lauded the amalgamation of Pharmacy Technicians and Government sector Pharmacists under a unified bargaining entity as a significant stride towards enhanced welfare.

He urged the Government to embark on the recruitment of new Pharmacists, highlighting the gap created since the last recruitment exercise in 2021, which had allowed untrained individuals to fill crucial positions.

Professor Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba I, Dehia Hembaa, who presided over the event, implored the government to equip institutions and law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trafficking of drugs in the country.

She decried the sale of drugs and herbal products on buses, at lorry stations, and in rural areas by unauthorised vendors as alarming, noting that some of these vendors lacked formal education and were incapable of providing accurate prescriptions.