STOCKING AND DISPENSING OF VETERINARY MEDICINES BY PHARMACISTS IN GHANA

Abstract

Introduction: Good animal healthcare systems require the use of quality veterinary pharmaceuticals handled by knowledgeable and qualified personnel. This study assessed the level of involvement of Ghanaian pharmacists in the stocking and dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire administered to pharmacists at their Annual General Meetings in Kumasi, Ghana between 12th and 18th August, 2013. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 18 (SPSS© Inc, IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) and GraphPad 5.01 (GraphPad Software Inc.©, San Diego CA). Association between different variables was tested. Results: Of the 200 questionnaires administered, 69 were completed which showed a response rate of 34.5%. There was limited involvement of pharmacists (7.2%) in the stocking and dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals in Ghana, although the majority (72.5%) considered it necessary for pharmacies to stock such products. Pharmacists considered lack of knowledge as the greatest factor limiting their role in the handling of animal drugs in their pharmacies. Conclusion: Stocking and dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals in Ghanaian pharmacies is limited. The pharmacists in this survey suggested lack of adequate knowledge on veterinary pharmacy was hindering their ability to provide healthcare services to animals in their pharmacies. There is therefore the need for the Pharmacy Council of Ghana and the pharmacy training institutions in Ghana to include veterinary pharmacy in their curriculum and provide opportunities for practicing pharmacists to upgrade their knowledge.