The Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) in Ghana has confirmed that the majority of essential health commodities previously held at the port have been cleared, as promised by the Health Minister. Ernest Ortsin Amoabeng, the Interim Chairman of CCM Ghana, reported that inspections at the Central Medical Stores in Spintex and Imperial Health Sciences (IHS) in Tema on Monday revealed that most containers have been processed.

Amoabeng assured that the medications have been transported to regional stores for hospital distribution. He expressed optimism that the remaining containers would be cleared within two weeks.

"Our visits to both storage facilities yesterday confirmed everything is on track. They informed us that last year, they received 150 containers, and this year, 112 containers. This week, they expect 70 containers, with a final batch of 64 containers pending clearance. These numbers align with Global Fund's figures," he stated.

He mentioned that the new grant cycle will be fully released, allowing for necessary procurement and system improvements. He also thanked the Health Minister and all stakeholders who advocated for the swift clearance of these commodities.

Meanwhile, a planned protest by TB advocates, supporting civil society organizations' efforts to expedite the clearance of these supplies, was canceled following CCM's assurance of their clearance. Some advocates shared their frustration over the shortages, which had caused severe issues for patients.

Due to government delays in clearing the commodities, some health facilities experienced a shortage of TB medications, causing undue distress to patients. Dickson Dzah reported losing a patient during this shortage. "I lost a valuable patient because of this delay. Why should this happen?" he questioned.

Another TB advocate, Morrison Richmond, urged the government to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Global Fund commodities, valued at $40 million and intended for managing HIV, TB, and Malaria, had been at the port since May last year.

Source by 3news.com