Pharmacists appeal for reduction in prices of medical supplies
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has appealed to major actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to reduce the prices of medical supplies.
The society said that its appeal comes after the continuous appreciation of the cedi against the dollar. It noted that this notwithstanding, medicines are still being sold at high prices.
PSGH, therefore, encouraged its members to review prices to reflect the current appreciation of the cedi.
“The PSGH would like to call on all actors of the pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, suppliers, and retailers to take urgent steps to reduce the prices of medicine to reflect the Cedi’s improved performance against the major trading currencies of the world,” it said in a statement dated December 20.
The statement explained that it is necessary for stakeholders to oblige because the pharmaceutical business provides important social life-saving benefits, and access to medicines and other medical products, hence the safety of consumers must be of utmost priority at every point in time.
The PSGH further called on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Finance to pay arrears owed to suppliers which it believes will further help in the reduction of prices.
“Urgently work together to ensure payment of arrears owed providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) so that providers in turn can pay their suppliers of pharmaceutical products. We believe this will also contribute further to the reduction in prices of medicines,” the PSGH said.
It noted that the above actions will go a long way to reduce the burden of medical care on Ghanaians.
Source: Ghana News
