Locked up containers with essential medicines at ports cleared – Health Minister

Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has announced that the essential medications previously locked up at ports have now been cleared, with only a few containers of mosquito nets remaining.

Dr. Boye expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, stating, “We have over 260 containers cleared. So, all the TB and Malaria medicines are out. However, we have recently been informed of new containers containing mosquito nets that have been discovered.”

Speaking during a donation exercise on July 5, 2024, he assured the public that these remaining containers would be cleared soon.

“The GRA has implemented a system to gazette and release these nets as well. The processes between the Ministry and the GRA have been streamlined to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he added.

The cleared commodities are critical for the management of HIV, TB, and Malaria across the country.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed receiving the medications from the Global Fund containers, which were previously stuck at the port.

Dr. Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, Director General of the GHS, stated that the drugs are being distributed to areas experiencing shortages.

“We have received the medications and have already started distributing them to the affected areas. We are rapidly deploying to ensure any shortage is averted,” he disclosed.

The Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund in Ghana had earlier confirmed that almost all of its commodities locked up at the port had been cleared as assured by the Health Minister.

Dr. Kumah-Aboagye elaborated on the distribution process, noting that the GHS has an electronic delivery system that provides real-time updates on supplies.

“We have trucks that deliver medications to facilities as requests come in, ensuring timely and efficient distribution,” he said.

AM/

Watch the latest episode of Everyday People on GhanaWeb TV below: