GHANA — Ms. Deborah Djanie, Director of the Ministry of Health, has announced the Ministry’s collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to improve market surveillance and enforce the use of only FDA-registered medical products.

Under the framework contract agreement, health facilities are required to obtain commodities from central and regional medical stores.

Ms. Djanie stressed the importance of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure the provision of quality healthcare in Ghana.

The announcement was made during the media launch of the 2nd edition of the West Africa Pharma Healthcare Exhibition in Accra.

The 2nd edition of the West Africa pharma healthcare exhibition – the complete International pharmaceutical medical and healthcare industry exhibition is scheduled from 3rd -5th May 2023 at Accra International Conference Centre-Grand Arena, Accra.

The expo is organized by Wegvoraus exhibition, India under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Trade and Industry with support from the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG).

Other organizers include Pharmaceutical Importers and Wholesalers Association of Ghana (PIWA), Federation of Africa Medical Equipment Disposables and Devices Manufacturers and Suppliers (FOAMEDDMS), Association of Health Service Administrators of Ghana (AHSAG), GUTA and others.

The West Africa PHARMA Healthcare Exhibition is poised to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, pharmacists, retailers, dealers, and distributors from various countries, such as India, Turkey, USA, Egypt, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, among others.

Over 150 participants are expected to attend, while more than 5000 visitors from Ghana and the wider West African region are anticipated to participate in the event.

The exhibition will focus on showcasing pharmaceutical, medical diagnostic industry, pharmaceutical machinery, hospitals, disposable consumable, laboratory equipment and solutions, orthopedic, and other healthcare-related products.

The Project Director of the West Africa PHARMA Healthcare Exhibition, Mr. Thomas James, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and explained that it aligns with the government of Ghana’s objective to create a robust healthcare system and infrastructure that caters to all stakeholders in the industry and the citizens of Ghana.

Mr. Anthony Ameka, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Africa Medical Equipment Disposables and Devices Manufacturers and Suppliers (FOAMEDDMS), highlighted the importance of safe and effective healthcare technologies for the provision of quality health services.

He pointed out that ensuring access to such technologies is more than just acquiring hardware components. Therefore, he urged the government to review the taxes, levies, and charges on import duties on medical devices and equipment.

According to Mr. Ameka, the high costs of these charges negatively impact healthcare delivery in the country.

Ghana relies heavily on imports for approximately 85% of its healthcare consumption, making affordable and reliable medical equipment a growing need in the country.

However, public and private hospitals in Ghana often struggle to acquire high-quality medical equipment at reasonable prices.

Mr. Ameka urged pharmaceutical importers, dealers, and distributors to seize the opportunity presented by the exhibition to network and explore potential collaborations.

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