Response to joint press statement by GNCoP, PMAG, PIWA

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) is the professional association of pharmacists in Ghana. PSGH has taken notice of the joint press conference by the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy (GNCoP), Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG), and Pharmaceutical Importers and Wholesalers Association (PIWA) on Thursday, October 19, 2022. 1. As the professional body of pharmacists, our concern is the negative impact this unfortunate economic downturn would have on the health of patients which is no fault of our players of pharmaceutical sector. 2. The current situation has reduced the import and manufacturing capital of companies which therefore raises a big issue of security of medicines in the country. 3. There is the risk of medicines availability, lack of access to medications, increase in price of medicines, potential compromise of quality of medications, and the potential increase in fake and substandard medications. 4. There is the risk of drop in the offering of services by NHIS Service providers. 5. The risk of shortages and therefore unavailability of pharmaceuticals which will impact on progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 6. To the Community Pharmacists, the cost of replacement of stocks is a major issue as they need recapitalization to maintain their dwindling stocks. 7. Hospitals would be faced with shortages of medicines as they are dependent on credit from suppliers. This will impact on emergency medicines, anaesthetics as well as life- saving medicines. To ensure health commodities securitization, especially medicines, the PSGH recommends the following: 1. The Ministry of Finance and Bank of Ghana urgently work with the Ghana Association of Banks. to prioritize the pharmaceutical sector and support them with forex solutions and loans at preferential rates to ensure the availability of medicines. 2. As a matter of urgency, the PSGH calls on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reimburse NHIS Service Providers to enable them make outstanding payments due suppliers. The PSGH would be convening a meeting with all the relevant stakeholders to find out how support can be given to PMAG, PIWA, and the Community Pharmacies. Thank you. Pharm. Samuel Kow Donkoh, PRESIDENT (020-8162909, 0550751292,0244858245, 0544341080)