Following the tragic death of a five-year-old child in Kenyasi-Adwumam, the Pharmacy Council in the Ashanti Region has taken swift action by closing down Life Dream Pharmacy.
The child had sought treatment for a dog bite, but improper treatment was administered by the pharmacy staff.
Reports indicate that the staff at Life Dream Pharmacy administered the ATS Tetanus vaccine, Efpac suspension, Amoxiclav suspension, and Vitamin C syrup as a remedy for the rabid dog bite. Disturbingly, the attendant advised the child’s parents to take the child home instead of seeking further medical assistance.
Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong, expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of proper treatment and professional guidance in such cases.
“A child who has been bitten by a dog was rushed to Life Dream Pharmacy in Kenyasi. The attendant administered an ATS injection, gave out pain relievers, an immune booster and anti-biotics and told them to go and administer the medication as prescribed and that once they go by what has been prescribed there is no need to seek further medical intervention.
“So the parents adhered to what was told them but unfortunately just after one month and three days after the incident, the child passed on.”
When the Pharmacy Council was alerted about the incident, they promptly responded by dispatching a team to assess the situation at Life Dream Pharmacy. The subsequent inspection revealed that the pharmacy failed to comply with the established standards and regulations set by the Council.
Due to this non-compliance, the Pharmacy Council made the decision to close down Life Dream Pharmacy. This action is taken in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, as pharmacies must adhere to strict guidelines to provide quality healthcare services.
The Council remains committed to upholding high standards in the pharmaceutical industry and will continue to monitor and enforce compliance to safeguard the health of individuals seeking medical care.
“So when we received the letter on July 5, 2023, we decided to visit the premises and when we got to the premises we realised that things were not up to standard.
“After using our monitoring tools and checklists, because the facility did not conform to standards and the laid down practice regulations, we had to close it down.”
Furthermore, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong stated that the incident has been reported to the head office of the Pharmacy Council. In response, a disciplinary committee will be formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This committee will review the actions of Life Dream Pharmacy and determine appropriate measures to address the improper treatment that led to the tragic death of the child.
The Pharmacy Council takes such incidents seriously and is committed to ensuring accountability and promoting patient safety. By initiating an investigation through the disciplinary committee, they aim to uncover any potential negligence or misconduct and take appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the regulations and guidelines governing the pharmaceutical profession.
The outcome of the investigation will help prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforce the importance of adhering to proper protocols and standards in providing healthcare services. The Pharmacy Council remains dedicated to upholding the integrity and professionalism.