Ghana to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to bolster Ghana's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, aiming to lessen the nation's reliance on imported medications. During a Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District, Mahama revealed that the government received a five-year plan to enhance self-sufficiency in medicine production for local consumption, with the potential to export to neighboring countries.

Currently, 70 percent of the medicines utilized in Ghana are imported, despite the country's capability to produce many of them domestically. Mahama emphasized that the plan was presented to him by the National Vaccine Institute, the Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Association of Ghana, and other related institutions.

Developing local pharmaceutical production, according to Mahama, would not only reduce medicine costs but also strengthen the government's capacity to provide treatment under the FPHC program. He added that procuring drugs at a lower price would make it easier for the government to provide more medications to the population at the primary health care level.

The President also mentioned agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure the availability of medicines needed by patients, specifically highlighting metformin and other prescribed drugs for managing hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, Mahama outlined measures to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by uncapping funding and making timely payments to healthcare providers.

The NHIS tariffs have been reviewed to better reflect the actual cost of treatment, eliminating co-payments at health facilities.

Mahama also announced investments under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support patients with serious conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and renal failure. He stated that major hospitals were being equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, including CT scanners and catheterization laboratories. A cardiothoracic facility is being developed in Tamale to provide advanced treatment for patients from the northern parts of the country.

In summary, President Mahama's initiatives are aimed at improving access to healthcare across Ghana, reducing the financial burden of illness on households, and promoting a healthier population for a wealthier nation. The President was accompanied by various government officials, including the Minister of Health, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms, and several Members of Parliament.