Okoe Boye- We will clear the backlog of essential drugs by June 30

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has assured that the backlog of essential medical supplies currently held up at Ghanaian ports will be cleared by June 30, despite challenges and ultimatums from various quarters.

Over 180 containers of crucial medical supplies, including donations from the Global Fund, have been delayed at the ports for more than a year, prompting concerns from the Global Fund and criticism from civil society organizations (CSOs) in the health sector.

Addressing journalists during a tour of health facilities in Accra, Health Minister Dr. Bernard Oko-Boye acknowledged the delays and attributed them to bureaucratic processes and insufficient collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

“We are committed to ensuring that all containers are cleared. Personally, I have given myself a two-week ultimatum. By June 30, I expect that no container will remain at the port,” Dr. Oko-Boye stated emphatically.

He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the critical shortage of TB medications in Ghanaian health facilities since May 2023. Dr. Oko-Boye expressed frustration over the delays and vowed personal involvement in overseeing the clearance process.

“We could have managed this situation better. New processes and third-party charges have contributed to the delays, but these are not excuses. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance must collaborate more closely to prevent such delays in the future,” he added.

The backlog includes 266 containers of essential drugs donated by the Global Fund, valued at $40 million. The government is responsible only for taxes, levies, and port charges, estimated at $3.6 million for clearance.

Dr. Oko-Boye’s declaration comes amidst pressure from the Global Fund and calls from the Minority in Parliament for swift action to clear the medical supplies, describing the situation as an international embarrassment for Ghana.

“We are determined to rectify this situation and ensure that Ghanaian health facilities receive the supplies they urgently need,” Dr. Oko-Boye concluded.