Health authorities estimate that nearly two million people struggle to identify reliable medical and health information, creating a gap between available services and the public’s understanding and effective use of those services.
It is against this backdrop that the annual Consumer Health Week has been launched, with health authorities calling on citizens to take greater control of their well-being.
Information provided by the Ministry of Health indicates that many families across Ghana are still unable to make informed decisions about medicines, treatment and preventive care.
This year’s Consumer Health Week focuses on empowering individuals with the right information to make informed health choices, at a time when misinformation and rising healthcare costs remain key concerns.
At the launch, officials emphasized that many common illnesses can be prevented or better managed when people have access to accurate information, regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle guidance.
Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Caroline Amissah, says Consumer Health Week highlights the shared responsibility between citizens and the health system.
“We have a role to play as citizens, and the system also has a role to play. When individuals are poorly informed or insufficiently protected, health outcomes suffer, resources are wasted and public trust is affected.
But when citizens are well informed, empowered and engaged, they become active partners in improving national health outcomes. Consumer Health Week is about helping citizenship equipping Ghanaians with the knowledge, confidence and awareness required to make informed health decisions and participate meaningfully in strengthening our health system,” she said.
To bridge the information gap, the Ministry of Health says it is expanding community health education programmes and investing in digital health platforms to improve access to reliable health information.
Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health said, ‘‘Regulations alone cannot protect the population; patient safety is a shared responsibility involving government institutions, healthcare providers, and the public. It is important that consumers understand how to identify quality-assured medicines, report adverse reactions, and demand competition in health delivery to become active partners in safeguarding the health system.
Currently, 2 million people struggle to identify medical health information and the consequences of this gap, includes patients’ uncertainty within the health system and families’ inability to make informed decisions about medicines, treatment, and preventive care. ’’ He noted.
Authorities also highlighted the importance of regulatory institutions such as the Food and Drugs Authority in ensuring the safety and quality of medicines and health products, noting that informed consumers are better able to identify unsafe products and make responsible health choices.
But beyond the speeches and statistics, the real impact of consumer health awareness is best seen in personal experiences, as many consumers say access to the right information has changed how they approach their health.
Health experts say when individuals understand their health risks and the services available to them, they are more likely to seek care early, adhere to treatment and adopt preventive measures.
By Sarah Apenkroh
