On the 12th and 14th of September 2023, 96 enthusiastic Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students from the School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences (SOP-UHAS) embarked on an immersive educational expedition into the heart of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry. The students ventured beyond the confines of their classrooms to obtain first-hand exposure to the intricacies of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The UHAS group toured two beacons of the Ghanaian pharmaceutical landscape, namely, Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre, and Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals Limited. These facilities were chosen for their well-earned reputation as leaders in innovation and expertise, underscored by their possession of the prestigious ISO certification — a testament to their commitment to upholding rigorous quality standards.
A team of seasoned professionals from various departments including engineering, quality control, quality assurance, production, and storage, guided the tour. Unlike a typical walkthrough, our students were taken on a deep dive into the inner workings of these pharmaceutical powerhouses. The visit included immersive discussions on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), a cornerstone of pharmaceutical production. Students were exposed to the meticulous processes underpinning pharmaceutical technology, including batch manufacturing records, air handling units, water purification and steam generation, waste disposal, and storage facilities. Equipped with a solid foundation in pharmaceutical manufacturing technology from their lectures, students actively engaged in these discussions, extracting invaluable insights.
The sheer scale of operations witnessed during the visit left our students in awe, a stark departure from their familiar laboratory settings. Their palpable excitement about future career prospects was infectious as they realized the abundant opportunities that await them. This tour extended beyond a mere glimpse into the pharmaceutical world; it served as a catalyst for unlocking the real-world applications of their coursework, particularly in the field of Pharmaceutics.
Outside the classroom, the connection between UHAS and the pharmaceutical industry was significantly fortified. The visit culminated in enthusiastic discussions about potential collaborations between SOP-UHAS and the facilities, an initiative warmly received by both parties.