LaGray rolls out oral dosage drugs in Accra

Accra, July 28, GNA - Dr Isaac Morrison, a medical practitioner on Tuesday bemoaned the deficiencies and failings of medicine supply chain in developing countries.

Their failings often have crippling effects on public health and impedes access to affordable medicines, he said.

Dr Morrison, who was speaking at the launch of oral dosage forms by LaGray Chemical Company Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in Accra said, it was likely the Millennium Development Goals (MDG 8) could not be achieved due to these challenges.

He said the MDG goals stated that in co-operation with pharmaceutical companies it would provide access to affordable, essential medicines in developing countries.

"It recognises that health is a fundamental human right and that access to essential medicines is a pre-requisite for realising that right.

"It also recognises that achieving the MDGs will require a partnership of government, the private sector and civil society."

Dr Morrison observed that medical pharmaceutical and scientific breakthrough means very little, if they fail to reach those in greatest need.

"Today in developing countries, millions of our citizens do not have access to effective and essential medicines and other life-saving tools.

"It is often erroneously held that ensuring global access to health technologies, like what we are witnessing today, is a complex challenge. Yes it may be complex but it is surmountable," he said.

Dr Paul Lartey, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of LaGray, expressed concern that only 30 per cent of drugs used in Africa are produced locally.

He said LaGray is striving to build its capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients and manufacture pharmaceuticals from start to finish.

Mr Johnny Allotey, Business Development Manager of LaGray said the corporate entity is striving to get international certification by September this year.

Nana Kojo Asante also of LaGray, who spoke on the antifungal drugs, such as Traconalitil, being rolled out by his outfit, said people living with HIV/AIDS are exposed to fungi infection.

Mr Maxwell Twum Boateng, another official of LaGray, who shed light on the drugs being introduced by the company said poorly managed pain affects patients and leads to immobility, depression, fatigue and sleep deprivation, hence the need for treatment.