Accra, Jan. 31, GNA - The National Executive Council of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Monday commended the Food and Drugs Board (FDB= ) for the good work it has been undertaking to protect and safeguard the health of the public. "The FDB has shown great seriousness in its work and seems to be doi= ng its best in terms of its regulatory duties, all in the interest of safeguarding the health of the general public," the GMA said in a stateme= nt issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

It therefore appealed to all stakeholders in the food and drugs industry, as well as the general public, to support the endeavours of the FDB in protecting and safeguarding the health of the ordinary Ghanaian. The GMA said the seizure and subsequent destruction of fake medicines like coartem, an anti-malaria drug, some antibiotics and several fake uncertified herbal preparations were in the right direction. It noted that unwholesome food products, including weevil infested rice, expired but relabelled Exeter Corned Beef and other food products had also been seized and destroyed by the FDB.

The GMA expressed its support for efforts of the FDB and commended it for insisting on efficacy study reports and chronic toxicological reports o= n all medicines, both herbal and orthodox, before being certified for use in the country. The GMA said this would ensure that medicines given to patients were efficacious and safe. "This will go a long way to reduce the incidence of drug related complications including liver diseases, kidney failures as well as some cancers and heart diseases." The statement urged the FDB to intensify its public education campaign= s to stem the tide of unregulated adverts of drugs, especially herbal medicines with their unsubstantiated claims in the print and electronic media.