GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a multinational
Pharmaceutical company, with support from Ernest Chemist, has launched
the new Panadol with Optizorb and Panadol extra in Accra on Friday.
Consequently, the drug, which is designed to achieve rapid
disintegration and dissolution, and disperses five times faster than
ordinary paracetamol, is now on the Ghanaian market.
Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, who launched
the drug, said government was committed to supporting local
pharmaceutical companies to provide good health care in the country.
She appealed to local pharmaceutical entrepreneurs to package
their medicines and other products in the country, to generate revenue
for national development.
Ms Hannah Tetteh said that opportunity existed for local companies
to improve on healthcare delivery in the country.
Mr Dotun Somoye, Country Director of GSK, said the drug was
packaged and distributed in Ghana by Ernest Chemist and other leading
indigenous pharmaceutical companies.
He said Panadol with Optizorb and Panadol offers fast and
effective relief for headache, cold and influenza, backache,
toothache, rheumatic pain, fever among other pain-related illness.
Mr Dotun Somoye advised prospective users of the new drug to seek
medical attention if pain persists, and said the company was committed
to improving the health status of the people.
Mr Theophilous Corquaye, Acting Director, Food and Drugs Board,
assured the public that the Board would do its best to prevent fake
and unregistered drugs from getting to the market.
He commended the two companies for their efforts to improve the
healthcare system in the country.