The delay in clearing essential drugs and health commodities at the port, intended for major interventions in the treatment of patients battling HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, demands urgent attention from the government to ensure better healthcare delivery for these vulnerable individuals fighting for their lives. Dr. Thomas Anaba said.
Speaking on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owus in Accra, the National Democratic Congress parliamentary representative for Garu expressed concern over the situation.
The World Health Organization has voiced its worry over the Ghanaian government’s delay in processing assistance from the Global Fund. These essential drugs for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis patients, who require daily medication, have faced shortages for an extended period. Shockingly, some adult HIV/AIDS patients have resorted to taking drugs meant for children with the same condition, highlighting the dire circumstances.
Dr. Thomas Anaba emphasized the dangers associated with Tuberculosis as a communicable disease that requires special care and medication. Despite this, drugs continue to be held at the port, potentially leading to a surge in cases of communicable diseases within the country.
Dr. Anaba noted that the Global Fund had made efforts to cover some of the costs of taxes and port charges for the containers. However, he expressed concern that the government seemed reluctant to assist, possibly expecting international organizations to cover additional taxes and charges imposed after their initial payments.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Ministry of Health announced significant progress in clearing the remaining 182 out of 435 containers of antiretrovirals, TB, and malaria medicines at the Tema Port by April 12. This progress follows threats from the Global Fund to halt deliveries to Ghana if port bottlenecks are not resolved.
Ernest Ortsin, president of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, cautiously welcomed the ministry’s intervention but expressed skepticism due to past unfulfilled promises. However, he acknowledged the involvement of the new acting Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, who has pledged collaboration with the ministry to expedite the clearance process.
“We are giving them the benefit of the doubt,” Ortsin stated, “hoping that by Friday, they will be able to claim all the commodities.”
For further inquiries, contact AYM Kukah at kukahalexander7@gmail.com.
