UK-based international pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca has presented quantities of test kits for the diagnosis of Covid-19, to the Ministry of Health to aid government’s response to the pandemic.

Mr. Arpit Bansal, Sub Saharan Africa Director for AstraZeneca, who led a team of officials from the company to make the donation to officials of the Health Ministry, promised further assistance to the government in its fight against the disease.

The donation of test kits to go to Government of Ghana’s Covid-19 management team, is the second coronavirus-related donation by AstraZeneca, having in June this year donated personal protective equipment, also to the government.

According to Arpit Bansal, the donation “will support the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to upscale Covid-19 screening to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.”

“Our thoughts are with those suffering as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and those working tirelessly to contain its spread. At AstraZeneca we are committed to continuing our support to our Healthcare community in Ghana, not only through donations such as this, but also by providing knowledge sharing platforms that offer access to evidence-based quality guidance on patient care during this time”, said Arpit Bansal.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Kwabena Oku-Afari, who led other officials of the Ministry of Health to receive the test kits, expressed gratitude to AstraZeneca and its officials for their good thoughts and support for the government and people of Ghana, describing the test kits as critical supplies that will enhance the work of the various laboratories testing for the coronavirus disease.

He also appealed to the company to continue to support the Ministry and not make the donation the last such assistance, saying it should rather strengthen the relationship between the company and country.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries.

Source: Graphic.com.gh