The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has inaugurated a renovated pharmacy that is expected to offer 24-hour pharmacy services.
The renovated facility, known as 24-hour Pharmacy Annex, is aimed at improving service delivery and patient care at the hospital and is also expected to significantly improve access to pharmaceutical services for both outpatients and the general public.
It introduces bedside delivery of medicines to all wards, a digital messaging platform for client interaction and a 24/7 hour call-in service via intercom and direct lines.
The bedside delivery services, in particular, will help ensure timely treatment for admitted patients, while the communication platforms will enhance access to information and reduce congestion at the pharmacy.
These new services are expected to significantly improve patient experience by reducing waiting times, ensuring quicker access to medications and minimising the burden on patients and their families.
Strategic vision
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, who inaugurated the facility last Thursday, explained that the renovation formed part of a broader strategic vision by the board and management to reposition the hospital’s pharmacy as the primary point of care for patients seeking medication, while creating a more efficient and patient-friendly environment.
He said the newly inaugurated annex represented the first phase of a multi-stage redevelopment initiative, adding that subsequent phases would focus on refurbishing other sections of the pharmacy to ensure a consistent standard of comfort, efficiency and modernity across the directorate.
He challenged the directorate to embrace innovation in service delivery, particularly through the adoption of digital platforms that would enable patients to access and purchase medication remotely, reducing congestion and improving convenience.
“The investment we are making must translate into better outcomes for patients,” he said, adding that the staff of the 24-hour Pharmacy Annex must rise to the occasion and justify the resources committed to the project.
Dr Adam emphasised the importance of maintenance, calling for sustained collaboration between the Pharmacy Directorate of the hospital and the engineering team to preserve the upgraded facility and ensure its longevity.
Key access point
The KBTH CEO expressed gratitude to donors, suppliers and partners whose support made the renovation possible, singling out Hills Pharmacy for its instrumental role in bringing the project to fruition.
Dr Adam announced that discussions were underway with the Ga Mantse regarding a proposal to develop a new, purpose-built 24-hour pharmacy complex near the hospital’s administration block and expressed confidence that stakeholder engagement would translate into tangible progress in the near future.
The Director of Pharmacy of the hospital, Dr Charles Ofei-Palm, described the project as a major milestone for the pharmacy directorate as it was the first major upgrade to the 24-hour Pharmacy Annex since 1996 and part of efforts to reposition the department as a key access point for health care.
Source:
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