Port charges hindering access to donated medicines, cancer charity warns

According to Dr. Wiafe Addai, the donated medicines were provided by international partners seeking to support healthcare delivery in Ghana.

She explained that the medicines, which include high-quality branded pharmaceutical products, were donated free of charge and therefore should not attract burdensome taxes and duties that limit their impact.

“Items we receive now have a wholesale value of about US$4.8 million, but we did not buy them; they were donated to us,” she stated.

“What we need is a waiver at the ports so that we can bring them in more easily and request even more support.”

She stressed that reducing import-related costs would allow charitable healthcare organisations to maximize the benefits of international donations and improve access to treatment for vulnerable patients.

Dr. Wiafe Addai noted that Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospital regularly distribute donated medicines to healthcare facilities across the country.

The organisation works with a network of partner hospitals and clinics, ensuring that essential medicines reach communities where access to treatment is often limited.

“These are branded medications, not generic ones,” she explained, highlighting the high cost and quality of many of the products received.

“When we receive the medications, we donate them to our partner facilities. We inform them about the available stock, and those who need them come to collect them.”

The initiative has become a crucial source of support for many hospitals, particularly those serving low-income and rural populations.

Healthcare workers say the donated medicines have significantly improved patient outcomes, especially in communities where affordability remains a major challenge.

A pharmacist at Kokofu General Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Fitrught Acheampong, explained that many patients struggle to purchase prescribed medicines due to financial constraints.

“Many of our patients are unable to buy their medications because of the cost,” she said.

“When they return for review, they often tell us they could not afford the medicines and, as a result, their condition has not improved.”

According to her, access to donated medicines has enabled patients to receive treatment free of charge, improving adherence to medication and encouraging regular follow-up visits.

“We are able to provide these medicines to patients at no cost, and that has encouraged them to adhere to treatment and return regularly for follow-up care,” she added.

The availability of free medicines has also contributed to increased attendance at health facilities.

Ms. Acheampong said beneficiaries often share information with relatives and community members, encouraging more people to seek medical care.

“We are seeing more patients because people are informing others that they can access certain medicines free of charge at the hospital,” she stated.

Health professionals believe this has strengthened healthcare delivery in underserved communities and improved trust in local health facilities.

Among the latest donations received are large quantities of contraceptives and anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners.

Dr. Wiafe Addai emphasized that contraceptives remain an essential healthcare resource, particularly in rural areas where many families face economic difficulties.

“Some people in urban areas may underestimate the importance of contraceptives, but they are critical in many communities,” she said.

“Women who are struggling to care for large families need support to space births and improve their overall wellbeing.”

She added that family planning services play an important role in maternal health, child welfare, and poverty reduction.

Dr. Wiafe Addai also highlighted the value of anticoagulants in preventing potentially fatal complications following surgery.

According to her, patients recovering from major operations are often at risk of developing blood clots due to reduced mobility.

“After surgery, when patients are unable to move around, blood can clot. These clots can cause serious complications and even lead to death,” she explained.

“If we can prevent clot formation, we can save many lives.”

Medical experts note that anticoagulants are essential in preventing strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and other life-threatening conditions associated with blood clots.

Dr. Wiafe Addai argued that removing taxes and duties on donated medicines, medical consumables, and healthcare equipment would significantly improve access to healthcare support across the country.

She said charitable organisations continue to face financial obstacles despite providing services that directly benefit patients and reduce pressure on the healthcare system.

“Currently, we have to pay handling charges, taxes and duties at the ports. If we are granted waivers, it will make it easier for us to bring in more supplies,” she stated.

The Breast Care International President further revealed that international humanitarian partners, including Direct Relief, are willing to provide additional medicines, medical consumables, and equipment to Ghana.

However, she said the high cost of clearing donations through Ghana's ports discourages organisations from requesting larger quantities of support.

“They have a lot of medicines, consumables and equipment that they are willing to donate, but these challenges prevent us from requesting more,” she said.

Dr. Wiafe Addai therefore urged government agencies to simplify import procedures and provide waivers that would enable healthcare charities to expand their impact.

She stressed that many patients across Ghana continue to depend on donated medicines for life-saving treatment and called for policies that facilitate, rather than hinder, access to such support.

“Our people need these medicines,” she concluded. “We should make it easier for organisations like ours to receive them so that more Ghanaians can benefit.”