The Ghana College of Pharmacists (GCPharm), in collaboration with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), is embarking on a major national initiative to train 100 specialist pharmacists across selected health facilities in Ghana while establishing a facility-based specialist training model to expand access to postgraduate pharmacy training nationwide.
The initiative forms part of the College’s broader commitment to strengthening advanced pharmaceutical care and improving patient outcomes across the country. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, particularly in the management of chronic and complex conditions, the demand for specialist pharmacists within multidisciplinary healthcare teams has become increasingly important.
Through this programme, pharmacists across Ghana will receive specialist and sub-specialist training in key clinical areas including Oncology, Palliative Care, Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Endocrinology and Critical Care. Fellowship opportunities will also be available in highly specialised areas such as Adult and Paediatric Oncology, Haematology, Palliative Care, Specialised Nutrition and Interventional Cardiology Pharmacy.
One of the key features of the initiative is the introduction of a facility-based training model. Unlike traditional residency structures that often require pharmacists to relocate for extended periods, this approach will allow trainees to remain within their institutions while undergoing specialist training. The model is expected to improve access to specialist training opportunities while helping facilities retain their workforce during training.
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with selected teaching hospitals, regional hospitals and other designated facilities nationwide. Training allocations will be based on facility needs, service capacity and existing specialist services. In addition to trainee support, the initiative will include the training of preceptors and assessors to strengthen local mentorship and supervision structures.
The programme is expected to significantly enhance specialist pharmaceutical services across the country, strengthen multidisciplinary patient care and improve treatment outcomes in critical clinical areas.
The Ghana College of Pharmacists remains committed to advancing specialist pharmacy education and contributing meaningfully to the strengthening of Ghana’s healthcare system through high-quality postgraduate professional training. The College stands ready to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen specialist training in pharmacy and related disciplines and support the delivery of high-quality patient care in Ghana
