The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it has received the necessary funding from the Ministry of Finance to release 64 containers of critical health commodities, supplied by the Global Fund, that have been stuck at Tema Port.
This development is expected to alleviate the backlog and ensure the timely distribution of essential medicines and supplies to healthcare facilities across the country.
A total of GH₵7,429,694.39 has been allocated to settle demurrage fees and third-party charges, paving the way for the swift release of crucial health supplies. This timely intervention comes on the heels of a warning from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) that the country was facing a looming shortage of essential medications by the end of June, and is expected to avert a potential healthcare crisis.
Amidst a dire warning from the Ghana Medical Association, some healthcare facilities are already grappling with shortages of essential medications, forcing them to seek alternative sources.
The situation has become increasingly urgent, as the Global Fund had issued a final notice for the prompt clearance of critical TB and malaria medications that arrived in October last year, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avert a full-blown crisis.
In a press release dated June 13, the Ministry confirmed, “The Ministry of Health, has now received an amount of GH₵7,429,694.39 from the Ministry of Finance for the payment of demurrage for the clearance of all Global Fund outstanding containers at the Tema Port. This amount is expected to complement the payment of third-party charges as outlined above.”
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