The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called for swift and thorough investigation by the Ghana Police Service into the mysterious death of a pharmacist. The sudden and unexplained death of Samuel Amoateng Saffoh, a pharmacist who served as the Pharmacist-in-charge of the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, has sent shockwaves through the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) and the entire healthcare community.
Pharmacist Saffoh’s passing, which occurred on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, has raised numerous questions and concerns, particularly due to his pivotal role as a principal witness in an ongoing case involving the theft of medicines and medical consumables from the Upper East Regional Hospital.
According to reports, Pharmacist Saffoh had been admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, and had undergone three cycles of haemodialysis in an attempt to address his health condition. His death came as a shock to colleagues, friends, and the healthcare fraternity at large, as he was not known to have chronic kidney disease or any life-threatening condition.
In response to this tragic development, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has issued a statement calling for a thorough and expeditious investigation by the Ghana Police Service into the circumstances surrounding Pharmacist Saffoh’s death. The PSGH expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague, highlighting his significant role as the Pharmacist-in-charge of the Upper East Regional Hospital.
Moreover, the society expressed concerns about another potential witness in the same medicine theft case who had fallen seriously ill and passed away in August 2023. These incidents have raised suspicions and prompted calls for a swift resolution of the ongoing investigation.
The PSGH urged authorities to prioritize and accelerate the investigative process, ensuring that justice is served if anyone is found culpable in the theft of medicines and medical consumables from the Upper East Regional Hospital. Additionally, the society called upon the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the government to take decisive action in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the theft.
While grappling with the loss of a dedicated colleague, the PSGH expressed gratitude to the PSGH Upper East Regional Branch Executive and the PSGH Northern Regional Branch Executive for their unwavering support to Pharmacist Saffoh’s family during this challenging time.
The society also called upon all pharmacists to remain composed and assured them of their active engagement with the family, the police, and relevant authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding the untimely passing of their colleague.
In closing, the PSGH underscored the imperative for the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of pharmacists and all healthcare professionals. The society pledged unwavering support to Pharmacist Saffoh’s family in their quest to determine the cause of his tragic demise.
Source: [Daily Graphic]
