Breast Care International (BCI) has urged the government to grant tax and duty waivers on donated medical supplies, warning that high port charges are limiting access to essential medicines for patients across the country.
The organisation’s President and Founder of Peace and Love Hospital, Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, said BCI recently received donated medicines valued at about US$4.8 million but continues to face significant costs in clearing the supplies through Ghana’s ports.
According to her, the medicines, which include branded drugs, contraceptives and anticoagulants, are distributed free of charge to partner health facilities and have become a critical source of treatment for many patients, particularly in underserved communities.
Healthcare workers say the donations have improved access to medication for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment, while also boosting adherence to care and follow-up visits.
Dr Wiafe Addai noted that international partners are willing to provide more medicines, consumables and medical equipment, but taxes, duties and handling charges remain a major obstacle. She called on authorities to simplify the import process for charitable organisations to ensure more Ghanaians benefit from life-saving medical supplies.