The Ministry of Health says media reports on government’s failure to issue tax waivers causing delays in Antiretroviral Drug Clearance at ports are misleading and do not accurately reflect the truth.
A statement by the Ghana Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana) on October 5 and reported on some media platforms indicated that delay in tax waivers on the Antiretroviral Drug medication stuck at the harbour is resulting in the shortage.
NAP+ Ghana said that the medication is among other health commodities that had arrived in July but “are being held until AU TAX, ECOWAS TAX and COVID-19 TAX are paid before we can access our medication.”
As such the group raised alarming concerns about the shortage of the drug saying there is a potential increase in kidney and liver problems among Persons Living with HIV(PLHIVS) who depend largely on the drug for their health and productivity.
Read: Ghana’s Shortage of Anti-Retroviral Medication Affecting HIV Patients – NAP+ Ghana
However, responding to this in a statement on October 7, the Ministry of Health said the Ghana Supply Commission on behalf of the Ministry has “effectively managed the clearance of antiretroviral drugs among other medical items at the ports”.
The Ministry further noted that only 4% of HIV/AIDS patients rely on the drugs while that of the 96% \are well supplied.
Meanwhile, the ministry notes that following the reports, the issue has been tabled before the Ghana Supply Commission with steps taken to secure the needed extra funds to ensure clearance by Friday, October 13, 2023.
Source: Aba Aikins Appah/ATLFMNEWS
