Symposium - De la recherche à la production industrielle des produits de santé (Présentations d'expériences réussies) - Expérience n°4 : The Role of Quality Management Systems in the Advancement of the Herbal Medicine Industry in Ghana

Expérience n°4 : The Role of Quality Management Systems in the Advancement of the Herbal Medicine Industry in Ghana

Abstract

Caleb Mawuli AGBALE

1. Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Ghana
2. Research and Development Department, Centre of Awareness Research and Manufacturing Company Limited (COA RMCL), Cape Coast, Ghana
3. Plant Extracts Process Engineering Unit, McHammah Engineering Company Ltd, Accra Ghana

Abstract

The herbal medicine industry holds great potential in the quest to transform the healthcare systems and economies within sub-Saharan Africa. Although the herbal medicine sector has made significant strides in Ghana over the last 3 decades there remain significant challenges to be addressed to achieve the expected benefit outlined in health policies and sustainable development strategies. This presentation will take a critical look at these challenges and how these could be addressed through the adoption of quality management systems and investment in research and development using the examples of COA- RMCL, Kantanka Herbal and Pharmaceutical Research Centre and startups like DaySpring Phytoceuticals. These examples demonstrate that the effective implementation of QMS ensures operational consistency, ease of traceability of products batches, continuous improvement and evidence- based decision making. Finally, strategies that could be adopted to ensure that herbal medicine plays a dominant role in the healthcare system across the sub region are discussed.