The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has assured Ghanaians that if the country’s dire economic situation is alleviated, drug prices will return to their original levels.
The Society warned that the quality of drugs produced or imported, as well as the cost of drugs at the retail level, could be jeopardized.
Executive Secretary of the Association Dr. Dennis Sena Awitty stated that several of its members have reduced their imports and manufacturing, which they say could jeopardize medication security in Ghana.
He also warned of an influx of counterfeit and substandard drugs into the country.
He believes that National Health Insurance Service providers may reduce their service offerings.
PSGH has therefore recommended that the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Ghana urgently work with the Ghana Association of Banks to prioritize the pharmaceutical sector and support them with forex solutions and loans at preferential rates to ensure the availability of medicines.
It has also called on the National Health Insurance Authority to reimburse NHIS service providers to enable them to make outstanding payments due to suppliers.
When asked if the cost of drugs could be reduced if the economy stabilized, he said it was a possibility.
He also stated that if the issues affecting the drugs are addressed, the cost of the drugs will be reduced.
By: Rainbowrafioonline.com/Ghana
