Knowledge, Detection, Practices, Attitudes and Challenges of Pharmacists Regarding Substandard and Falsified Medical Products in Accra, Ghana
Keywords:
Substandard medicines, Falsified medicines, Pharmacists, Detection capacity, Counterfeit medicines, GhanaAbstract
Introduction:
Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products represent a significant global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where regulatory and surveillance systems may be limited. In Ghana, the circulation of SF medicines threatens treatment effectiveness, patient safety and confidence in healthcare systems. This study assessed pharmacists’ knowledge, detection capacity, attitudes, and challenges regarding SF medical products in the Greater Accra Region.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among registered pharmacists practicing in the Greater Accra Region. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that captured socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of SF medicines, detection practices, experiences with suspected cases, attitudes toward SF products, and perceived barriers to detection and reporting. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
A total of 207 pharmacists participated in the study. Most respondents (89.4%) reported knowledge of the term “substandard and falsified medicines.” However, only a small proportion demonstrated confidence in identifying such products using indicators such as packaging inspection, price differences or therapeutic effect. Approximately 70.1% indicated that they were aware of colleagues who had encountered suspected SF medicines during practice.
Conclusion:
Although pharmacists in the Greater Accra Region demonstrate relatively good knowledge of substandard and falsified medicines, gaps remain in practical detection skills and reporting practices.
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