The Africa Health Collaborative at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has organized a seminar to equip Cohort III students of the MSc Health Entrepreneurship programme with practical knowledge on regulatory issues governing health-related businesses.
The seminar, organized under the Health Ecosystem Pillar led by Dr. Joseph Owusu, aimed to expose students many of whom are healthcare professionals to the legal and regulatory frameworks that guide the establishment and operation of health enterprises in Ghana.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Joseph Owusu emphasized that the MSc Health Entrepreneurship programme is designed not only to provide academic training but also to inspire students to develop innovative business solutions within the health sector.
“One of the things we cherish most about this programme is that although it runs for only one year, we expect that by the end of it, the nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals enrolled will leave with viable business ideas they can implement,” he said.
He noted that the health sector presents numerous challenges that can be transformed into entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Anytime you see a challenge in the world, it presents an opportunity. We expect you to identify these challenges within the health sector and develop businesses that will provide solutions,” he added.
The seminar featured presentations from regulatory and legal experts, including Dr. Mr. Richard Obeng Mensah, a lecturer at the KNUST Faculty of Law; Dr. Abigail Attah, Principal Regulatory Officer and Head of the Drug Unit at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA); and Dr. Agyemang Badu, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA).
During her presentation, Dr. Attah highlighted the critical role of regulatory compliance in health-related businesses.
She explained that entrepreneurs intending to manufacture or market products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, or household chemicals must obtain approval from the Food and Drugs Authority before receiving marketing authorization.
“Many of the ventures students may want to establish will fall within areas regulated by the FDA, so it is important for them to understand the approval processes required before products can be placed on the market,” she noted.
Dr. Agyemang Badu also guided participants through regulatory procedures related to the registration, inspection, and licensing of health facilities.
He cautioned that failure to comply with regulatory standards could lead to serious consequences, including facility closure, fines, or legal sanctions.
“When you set up a facility, maintaining regulatory standards is critical. If compliance requirements are not met, you may face legal consequences that could affect the survival of your business,” he explained.
Dr. Badu expressed confidence that the engagement would provide students with the necessary knowledge to successfully navigate the regulatory environment when establishing health enterprises.
“If they get these processes right from the beginning, they will be better positioned to grow sustainable health businesses in the future,” he added.
Participants described the seminar as both informative and enlightening.
Ms. Agartha Cudjoe, a Senior Health Tutor at St. Patrick Catholic Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Offinso noted that the presentations significantly expanded her understanding of regulatory requirements.
“I had many questions before attending the seminar, but after the presentations I feel enlightened,” she said.
She explained that learning about the regulatory scope of the Food and Drugs Authority was particularly insightful.
“I did not even know that cosmetics were regulated. Now I understand the various regulations surrounding food, drugs, and other products. The seminar has been very informative and helpful for my studies and professional work,” she stated.
Dr. Isaac Owusu Jr., a medical doctor said the seminar helped clarify regulatory processes related to health business development and intellectual property management.
“One of my key takeaways is the importance of documentation when developing ideas or innovations,” he noted.
“We often interact informally with stakeholders and potential business partners, but I have learned that it is important to formalize these engagements through proper documentation, emails, and record keeping.”
Similarly, Ms. Stella Acheampong, a midwife indicated that the seminar had broadened her understanding of regulatory compliance.
“The information shared during the seminar has shaped my thinking and given me knowledge that I can share with others,” she said.
She added that the insights gained would help her navigate regulatory requirements effectively when establishing health-related initiatives in the future.
“When I go back to the field, I will know the right institutions and regulatory bodies to engage with to ensure compliance and protect the health of the communities we serve,” she noted.
By: Emmanuel Offei
