The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged Ghanaian pharmacists to protect their integrity and not allow the love of money sway them from their core mandate of providing drugs to save lives.
Speaking at the 2017 Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana held in Kumasi on Wednesday, 2 August 2017, he wondered what happens to the innocent pregnant women, babies, children and accident victims who may be rushed to the hospitals and pharmacies for help in the wake of strike action by pharmacists.
“I personally get deeply concerned and uncomfortable when I hear of strikes by you and other health practitioners in Ghana. The world has increasingly become money-driven and while this is not bad in itself, it is creeping into nearly every fabric of society such that, even professionals are placing monetary benefit ahead of the greater good of their services,” he stated.
“Pharmacists, I’m reliably informed, and strongly believe it to be so, are friends of human race. So if everything else desert humanity, I expect you to stand with us as our friends. As the old adage goes ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’,” he added.
The Asantehene challenged them to provide services with the utmost humility, honesty and fidelity to their call.
“Deliver quality service with sincere hearts and let your integrity and humility be clear and evident,” he urged.
