Pharmacists urged to educate public on Pneumococcal Meningitis

Chemical Sellers and pharmacists in the Eastern Region have been advised to educate members of the public who visit their chemical facilities on the outbreak of the pneumococcal meningitis.

Speaking to Joy News after a three day education campaign on Meningitis, the Eastern Regional Manager of Pharmacy Council, Cynthia Mintah said chemical sellers must do more than just giving out medicines.

She also cautioned them against prescribing medicines on their own for suspected Meningitis patients until they have been properly diagnosed in a hospital.

The three day education campaign in three different communities include Asamankese, Akim Oda and Kade is to educate all chemical sellers and pharmacist in the region to have full knowledge on Meningitis.

Cynthia Mintah entreated the public to continue to drink plenty water, avoid overcrowded areas and sleep in rooms with sufficient air.

According to her, one can succeed in the treatment of Pneumococcal Meningitis at its early detection stage to avoid severe complications and death.

Eastern Regional Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Silas Agyekum explained that there is treatment for the disease and this can only be done if the cases are reported to the health facility on time.

He said the PSGH has distributed medicines to its members across the country to make sure that their facilities are equipped with quality medicines.

Some chemical sellers told Joy News that they will help to educate their clients to report signs and symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, neck pain, neck stiffness and vomiting to the nearest public health facility for cure.

The three day education campaign which was organized by the Eastern Regional Branch of Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council is on the theme; Pharmacists for saving lives from the Meningitis outbreak in Ghana.