ACT 851- Public Health Act 2012 Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
An illness caused by a specific infectious agent or its toxic products that is transmitted from an infected person, animal or inanimate reservoir to a susceptible host either directly or indirectly through an intermediate host, vector or the inanimate environment.
The Minister can declare that a disease is communicable, infectious or contagious by executive instrument
What is a disease of contagiuos nature?
A communicable disease transmissible by physical contact with a person suffering from the disease or with their secretions or objects touched by them
What does it mean to declare an area infected and order evacuation?
A person shall not reside, enter or carry on business within an infected area or a part of an infected area in contravention of an order
for evacuation,
….except under an order in writing to that effect signed by a medical officer and on the conditions specified by the medical officer
What hapens if one does not follow the evacuation order?
- for a first offence, to a fine of not more than 50 penalty units or to a prison term of not more than 3 months, or to both
- for a second or subsequent offence, to a prison term of not more than 6 months, or to both the fine and the imprisonment.
Was the Covid 19 detention of infected persons right?
A medical officer or an authorised health officer may
* cause a person suffering or suspected to be suffering from a communicable disease, whether in an infected area or not, to be removed to a health facility or designated place; and
* detain that person until the medical officer or health officer determines that that person is safe to be discharged.
What is the compensation board?
A board established by the District CEO under section 12 of ACT 851 to hear and determine claims for a **refund of sales licence fees ** and damages or compensation for destruction of property
The Compensation Board is an inferior Court and is subject to the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court.
Who is on the compensation board?
5 persons including
* a public officer
* a real estate valuer,
* a legal practitioner and
* a person who is not a public officer
* A secretary
Is the pharmacist considered a public vaccinator?
NO, per the law
A medical or veterinary officer in any of the public services is a public vaccinator.
The Minister may appoint any other person certified by a Senior Medical or Veterinary Officer to have the necessary competence, skill and knowledge to be an assistant public vaccinator
What is inoculation?
To treat a person or animal with a small a quantity of the agent of the disease as a form of vaccine by scarification to provide immunity against the disease
This practice is UNLAWFUL
What are the sanctions for inoculation?
- a fine of not more than 200 penalty units
- to a prison term of not more than 6
months or - to both
Who is on the vector control team?
Set up by the District Assembly
- a medical officer
- a veterinary officer; and
- an environmental health officer.
A vector control team shall be part of the sub-committee responsible for health in the District.
Which section does drugs start?
Section 111
What is adulteration?
A food or drug is adulterated if
* a constituent has in whole or in part been omitted,
* a damage to or the poor quality has been concealed in any manner,
* a substance of the food or drug has been substituted wholly or in part,
* a substance has been added to, or mixed or packed with, the food or drug to increase its bulk or weight or reduce its quality or strength or to make it appear better or of greater value than it is;
* it contains an additive not expressly permitted by the national standards, the Codex or the Regulations; or is in excess of the quantity permitted
* a constituent of the food exceeds the amount stated on the label or permitted in the Regulations;
* its nature, substance and quality has been affected to its detriment.
What is the object of the FDA?
To provide and enforce standards for the sale of food, drugs, herbal medicinal products, cosmetics, medical devices and household chemical substances.
What are the functions of the FDA?
- Ensure adequate and effective standards for food, drugs, etc
- Monitor for compliance of this part through the district assemblies and any other state agencies
- Approve the initiation and conduct of clinical trials
- Advise the minister on the preparation of effective regulations for the implementation of the part 7 of the public health act
- Advise the minister on measures for the protection of the health of consumers
Who constitutes the Board?
- a chairperson,
- one rep of the Ghana Standards Authority
- one specialist medical practitioner in active practice nominated by the Minister
-
one rep each of
(i) one pharmacist nominated by the Pharmacy Council,
(ii) the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine,
(iii) the Attorney-General not below the level of Principal State Attorney,
(iv) the Veterinary Services Department
(v) the Food Research Institute,
(vi) one traditional medicine practitioner nominated by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council - the CEO of the Authority
- one other person who is a woman.
Who appoints the board members?
The President in accordance with article 70
What is the tenure of the board members?
A period of not more than 3 years and they are eligible appointment for not more than 2 terms.
⛔️ This does not apply to the CEO
What is the punishment for missing meetings?
A member of the Board, other than the CEO, who is absent from 3 consecutive meetings without sufficient cause ceases to be a member of the Board
How many times shall the board meet?
At least once every 3 months.
How many members are needed for quorum?
7 members or a greater number determined by the Board in respect of an important matter.
Who presides over the meetings?
The chairperson
If he is absent, a member of the Board elected by the members present from among their number shall preside
How are matters decided?
By a majority of the members present and voting
In the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding shall have a casting vote
Who appoints the CEO?
The President in accordance with ARTICLE 195
What are the requirements for appointment as the CEO?
- Considerable knowledge in health or allied sciences
- Experience in organisation and management.
What is the function of the CEO?
The CEO is responsible for the day to day
administration of the Authority
How many divisions does the authority currently have?
FOUR (4) with each having a deputy CEO
- Food division
- Health products and technology
- Technical operations
- Corporate services
What is in the Fourth schedule?
Where does the Authority get their funds?
- moneys approved by Parliament
- donations, gifts and grants
- loans contracted and guaranteed by the Government, subject to article 181 of the Constitution
- any other moneys that are approved by the Minister
responsible for Finance.
The Authority retains a percentage of money that accrues to the Authority in the performance of its functions as provided by law.
