The Asenemaso Abuakwa branch of Top-Up Pharmacy, a private pharmaceutical company, as part of activities to mark its first year anniversary, has offered free health screening to about 100 residents in and around villages in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of Ashanti Region.

Residents were screened for eye, ears, nose, throat, blood pressure and sugar levels as well as dental health.

The pharmaceutical company also offered a five percent discount on all assessments and general consultations for those who visited the screening stands.

Dr Dorcas Kukua Gyesi, Branch Manager of the Asenemaso Abuakwa branch, explained that Top-Up Pharmacy began operations in Ghana in 2006 as a pharmaceutical distribution company and has worked to provide affordable and quality healthcare to all people.

The idea behind the establishment of a branch in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District, she noted, was to expand access to quality healthcare, which had been achieved since July 2024.

Dr Gyesi indicated that beyond providing affordable medications, the pharmacy was addressing the public’s misunderstanding of generic medications (medications with the exact same active ingredient as the brand-name drug), citing that many Ghanaians were unfamiliar with generic medications and may believe only specific brands were effective.

The pharmacy also emphasized its strict adherence to regulations regarding prescription medications, particularly opioids like tramadol.

“We do not dispense opioid medications without a valid prescription.

“This policy is in place to protect our community from the potential for abuse and its devastating consequences on individuals and families,” she assured.

The Branch Manager pledged the pharmacy’s resolve to deliver community health through regular health talks and educational initiatives focused on responsible medication use and the dangers of opioid abuse.

Dr Maame Serwaa Gyamfi Adubofour, Clinical Care Coordinator at Akropong Polyclinic, urged all pharmacies and drug stores to adhere to the Pharmacy Council and the Food and Drug Authority guidelines not to sell opioids to customers without approved medical prescriptions.

This, she said, when followed would drastically reduce opioids misuse and intake.

Mr Wisdom Osei Boamah, Municipal Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya South, commended the pharmacy for its hard work and sacrifices to the community.

He called on community members to take their health seriously and avoid self-medication without proper medical guidance from a professional.