Accra, Ghana — The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has called on the public to report suspected substandard or counterfeit medicines, as well as any side effects or adverse reactions experienced after taking medication, through the Med Safety App.
In a public notice, the Authority encouraged consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public to actively use the mobile application as part of efforts to strengthen medicine safety monitoring and protect public health across the country.According to the FDA, the Med Safety App is free to download, easy to use, and available on both Android and iOS devices.
The Authority advised users to search for “Med Safety App” on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, download and install the application, and follow the simple reporting steps to submit information on suspected fake medicines or adverse drug reactions.
The FDA explained that reports submitted through the application play a critical role in its post-market surveillance activities by helping regulators identify unsafe, substandard, falsified, or counterfeit medical products and investigate potential safety concerns associated with medicines on the market.According to the Authority, timely reporting enables it to monitor the safety and quality of medicines more effectively and take the necessary regulatory actions to safeguard public health.
“Your report helps the FDA monitor medicine safety and protect public health. Together, we can make medicines safer for everyone,” the FDA stated.
The Authority emphasized that public participation is essential in ensuring that medicines available in Ghana meet the required standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to use the application to report suspected adverse drug reactions observed among patients, contributing to the FDA’s national pharmacovigilance system.
The FDA noted that information received through the Med Safety App supports ongoing surveillance efforts and helps identify emerging safety issues that may require further investigation, product recalls, safety alerts, or other regulatory interventions.
Counterfeit and substandard medicines remain a global public health challenge, posing significant risks to patients by reducing treatment effectiveness, worsening illnesses, and, in some cases, causing serious health complications or death. Prompt reporting of suspected fake medicines enables regulatory authorities to respond quickly and prevent further distribution of unsafe products.
The FDA therefore urged the public not to ignore unusual reactions after taking medicines or suspicions about the authenticity or quality of pharmaceutical products. Instead, individuals are encouraged to use the Med Safety App to submit reports and support national efforts to ensure safer medicines for everyone.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through effective regulation, surveillance, and public education, adding that collaboration between regulators, healthcare providers, and the public is key to maintaining confidence in Ghana’s healthcare system. By encouraging wider use of the Med Safety App, the FDA aims to strengthen medicine safety monitoring, improve the detection of harmful products, and enhance the country’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging health risks.
