Port taxes on donated medical supplies hurting healthcare support – Beatrice Wiafe-Addai

Founder of Peace and Love Hospitals and President of Breast Care International, Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, has expressed concern that taxes and duties imposed on donated medical supplies are limiting support for healthcare facilities across the country.

According to her, many hospitals depend on donations from charitable organisations and international partners to provide quality healthcare services, but port charges continue to discourage potential donors.

Speaking during a donation exercise on Sunday, June 14, 2026, Wiafe-Addai said government intervention is needed to make it easier for healthcare institutions to obtain the much-needed medicines, equipment, and other medical supplies.

"We appeal to the government to waive taxes and duties on donated drugs and medical supplies at our ports. Many donor organisations are ready to support healthcare facilities, but these charges sometimes become a challenge and limit the support that can be provided," she said.

She noted that several health facilities, particularly those serving low-income and vulnerable communities, rely heavily on donations to bridge resource gaps and improve patient care.

Wiafe-Addai explained that while donor organisations are willing to support hospitals, the cost of clearing donated items at the ports often reduces the amount of assistance that eventually reaches patients.

The renowned breast cancer advocate believes removing such charges would encourage more organisations to donate medical supplies and help strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.

According to her, easing restrictions on donated medical items would allow hospitals to access critical resources needed to improve treatment outcomes and save more lives.

She further observed that many healthcare institutions continue to face challenges in accessing essential equipment and medicines despite increasing demand for healthcare services.

Wiafe-Addai therefore urged the government to consider tax exemptions on donated medical supplies as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and support the work of health facilities nationwide.

"We appeal to the government to waive taxes and duties on donated drugs and medical supplies at our ports," she reiterated, stressing that the move would significantly boost support for hospitals and healthcare providers.

She expressed optimism that such a policy would encourage greater collaboration between donor organisations and healthcare institutions while improving access to quality healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.

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