Gov’t urged to support purchase of locally made Anti-Retroviral Drugs

The Greater Accra chapter of NAP+ Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Monday appealed to Government to support the purchasing of locally made Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARV’s) from locally manufacturer – Danadams Pharmaceutical Industry Limited.

Addressing stakeholders at media conference, Mr Raymond Ahorlu, Regional Chairman of the NGO said purchasing of locally made ARV’s would help avoid perennial shortages across health centres in the country.

He said most of the shortages had to do with the procurement process that delay and the number of days it takes to clear consignments from the harbour to the medical stores.

“As a result of this delay Persons Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) suffer the consequences by staying without drugs (and) asked to visit the hospitals on weekly basis for drug supply,” he said.

Mr Ahorlu noted that countries like Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin get their ARV drugs from Danadams.

He said the negative impact of the shortage include drug resistance among the PLHIV, which often result in death.

Mr Ahorlu said purchasing locally made ARV’s, it would create jobs for Ghanaians.

NAP+ called on all civil society groups and other stakeholders to help champion the course of purchasing ARV drugs from the local drug manufacturer to help stop the shortages of the drugs.

Madam Regina Baokye, Programmes Coordinator of OIC International, advised the public against stigmatisation of PLHIV.

She asked the PLHIV to take their drugs as prescribed by their doctors to promote their health.

Source: GNA