President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to expand Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, with the goal of reducing the country's dependence on imported medicines. Speaking at a Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga East District, President Mahama revealed that the government has received a five-year plan to achieve greater self-sufficiency in the production of medicines for the domestic market.
70% of Medicines Imported
Ghana currently imports about 70% of the medicines used in the country, despite having the capacity to produce many of them locally. President Mahama disclosed that the country's pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity can be boosted to reduce the cost of medicines and strengthen the government's ability to provide treatment under the FPHC programme.
Government Agreements with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
The President said the government has entered into agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure that medicines needed by patients are available. He specifically mentioned medicines used in the management of hypertension and diabetes, including metformin and other prescribed drugs. This move aims to improve access to healthcare across the country and reduce the financial burden of illness on households.
Strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
President Mahama also highlighted measures to strengthen the NHIS, including uncapping funding for the scheme and making payments to healthcare providers on time. He said NHIS tariffs have been reviewed to better reflect the actual cost of treatment, adding that there should be no co-payment at any health facility.
Investments in Healthcare Infrastructure
The President outlined investments under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support patients suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and renal failure. He also mentioned the equipping of major hospitals with specialist diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, including CT scanners and catheterization laboratories. A cardiothoracic facility being developed in Tamale will provide advanced treatment for patients from the northern parts of the country.
A Healthy Population for a Wealthy Nation
President Mahama emphasized the importance of a healthy population in building a wealthy nation. He said, "Health is wealth. You need a healthy population to be able to make a wealthy nation." The combined measures outlined by the President aim to improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of illness on households.
The President's announcement comes as a welcome development for the country's healthcare sector. With the government's commitment to boosting Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthening the NHIS, the country is poised to improve access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of illness on households. As President Mahama said, "Health is wealth. You need a healthy population to be able to make a wealthy nation." The implementation of these plans will be closely watched by the public and healthcare stakeholders alike, and it remains to be seen how effective they will be in achieving their goals.
Source: Joy Online
