A major milestone in the advancement of pharmaceutical care in Ghana’s Upper East Region was achieved with the official inauguration of the regional chapter of the Association of Medicine Counter Assistants, Ghana (AMCAG).
The ceremony, held at the Tap Hotel Conference Room in Bolgatanga, brought together over 65 newly graduated Medicine Counter Assistants (MCAs), national AMCAG representatives, and key healthcare stakeholders.
The event marks the formal integration of newly certified MCAs into the national association, offering them a platform for professional development, collaboration, and advocacy. Most of the graduates are products of Endswell MCA School, a local institution that runs a one-year intensive training program for aspiring MCAs.
Leading the inauguration was AMCAG National Vice Chair, Mr. Raphael Otabil Addo, who emphasized the significance of establishing a strong regional presence. He highlighted the critical role MCAs play in delivering primary pharmaceutical care, particularly in underserved communities.
“It is very important that it is a professional body that our people belong to. And before you will be recognized fully and partaking whatever the association is doing, as a region, we have to inaugurate the region and accept them into our midst. That is why we came to inaugurate the region after they put themselves together,” Mr. Addo explained.
He also outlined the steps to join the association: enrolling in an accredited MCA training school, completing the required examinations, and applying for membership through the association.
The launch was generously sponsored by LUEX, a leading company in the pharmaceutical sector. LUEX not only funded the event but also actively engaged participants, using the opportunity to introduce a range of new pharmaceutical products. This gave the MCAs direct access to updated information on medications, boosting their capacity to serve their communities effectively.
LUEX further contributed to the event with a special session on sexual health and drug dispensing methods, providing crucial insights into public health concerns. They also hosted interactive activities such as a virtual quiz and a “spin the wheel” game, which added a lively, engaging touch to the event and offered attendees a chance to win prizes.
Following the official inauguration, interim executives of the Upper East Regional AMCAG chapter were introduced. The new leaders expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in them and pledged to advocate for better employment opportunities and professional standards among MCAs.
Chapter President Mr. Atinga Ayine Frank emphasized the need for unity and professionalism to address the challenges MCAs face. He also extended heartfelt thanks to LUEX for its invaluable support.
The interim executives are:
Dr. Benjamin Asunka, Director of Endswell MCA Training School, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to training competent pharmaceutical personnel.
He stressed the importance of well-qualified MCAs in ensuring accurate drug dispensing and providing essential health education to the public.
The successful inauguration of the Upper East chapter of AMCAG signals a bright future for pharmaceutical services in the region, with greater organization, support, and advocacy for Medicine Counter Assistants.
