CSOs threaten nationwide demonstration over delayed clearance of life-saving drugs as shortage looms

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the health sector are threatening to stage a nationwide demonstration to register their displeasure over the delayed clearance of some life-saving drugs that are stuck at the port due to import duties.

The CSOs have expressed worry over government’s inaction to facilitate the clearing of the donated drugs, as shortage of the medical supplies is imminent.

President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Ortsin, confirmed the planned demonstration to TV3 news.

“We are going to hold a very big demonstration. We are mobilising our members from across the country, all civil society organisations that are into health. We are mobilising them and we are going to stage a very big demonstration in all 16 regions across the country,” said Mr. Ortsin.

As regards the current supply status of these medicines in the country, he said, “The latest report we are receiving from health facilities across the country is that there is a shortage, there is a stock out of these very commodities which are being held at the port”.

Mr. Ortsin indicated that the medical supplies that are stuck at the port are not only HIV antiretroviral drugs but also treated mosquito nets meant for pregnant women and children.

According to TV3 checks, only 15 out of the 230 containers containing these medical supplies have been cleared. Among the issues causing the delay is huge import duties to be paid at the ports.

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“The commodities that we are talking about comprise TB medications, as well as malaria, ACTs and the treated nets which are given to pregnant women and children under five to protect them so this time the issue has gone just beyond the antiretrovirals but then affecting all three areas HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria.”

He noted that the demonstrations and media engagements will draw the attention of both the Presidency and Parliament and the general public to the issue.

Furthermore, he noted that situation has been “festering for such a long time,” and it appears that through the demonstrations something will be done about it, stressing that, “we can no longer keep quiet about it.”

“We believe that what is going on is very insensitive; the lives of people who are on medication are at stake. People on treatment for TB—all these drugs are now stuck at the port and every day we get reports of people dying because they can’t get access to these medications,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, he noted that there is currently a shortage of treated mosquito nets to give to pregnant women and children under five, stressing the negative impact it will have on these children.