Health Ministry Announces Release of Essential MedicinesHealth Ministry Announces Release of Essential Medicines Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has announced the release of essential medicines previously stored at the ports, with only a few containers of mosquito nets remaining. Over 260 containers have been cleared, releasing necessary drugs for tuberculosis and malaria. However, new containers containing mosquito nets have been discovered. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed the receipt of the medicines from the Global Fund, which were initially stuck at the port. Distribution has commenced to address shortages. Dr. Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, Director General of GHS, emphasized the timely and efficient distribution of medications through an electronic delivery system. The Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund confirmed the release of virtually all goods at the port, as promised by the Health Minister. The GHS has also established an electronic delivery system for real-time stock updates, ensuring timely distribution of medications to affected areas.
Minister of Health Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye
Health Minister Dr Bernard Okoe Boye has announced that essential medicines previously stored at the ports have now been released, leaving only a few containers of mosquito nets.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress made, Dr Boye said: “We have cleared more than 260 containers. So all the drugs for TB and malaria are out. However, we have recently been informed that new containers with mosquito nets have been discovered.”
During a donation drive on July 5, 2024, he assured the public that the remaining containers would be cleared soon.
“The GRA has put in place a system to also publish and release these nets. The processes between the ministry and the GRA have been streamlined to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he added.
The released goods are vital to the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria across the country.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed that the medicines were received from the Global Fund containers, which were earlier stuck at the port.
Dr Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, Director General of GHS, said the drugs are being distributed to areas where there are shortages.
“We have received the medicines and have already started distributing them to the affected areas. We are deploying rapidly to ensure that any shortage is avoided,” he revealed.
The Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund in Ghana had earlier confirmed that virtually all goods stored at the port had been released, as assured by the Minister of Health.
Elaborating on the distribution process, Dr Kumah-Aboagye noted that the GHS has an electronic delivery system that provides real-time updates on stocks.
“We have trucks that deliver medications to facilities as requests come in, so that distribution is timely and efficient,” he said.
BEN/
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