The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana is calling on the government to outline a clear policy strategy on the local production and supply of pharmaceuticals in the country.

According to the Association, the policy will help curb the over-reliance on imported drugs which has led to the decline in the provision of the necessary resources to grow the industry.

Their call comes on the back of government’s promise that it will promote local production of pharmaceutical products in the country if its mandate is renewed on December 7.

Speaking to Citi Business News, Executive Secretary of the Association, Madam Lucia Addae explained that, “The only downside is that we were expecting that government will say more about the pharmaceutical industry. Though we have submitted a document to government to develop the industry into one like the auto industry, we want government to expedite action on this to enable local manufacturers to manufacture products locally and get the local market to buy them. We also want to double what we produce. Currently, we produce 30% of medicines for Ghana.”

She further appealed for funding as most of their operations require pre-financing.

“We do require affordable funding because some of our people are putting up structures that come at a huge cost. We also need funding for some of our systems and raw materials because of the impact of the pandemic on some of our members,” she added.

Earlier this year, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) announced that it had targeted to produce 70 percent of the country’s essential pharmaceutical products within the next three years.

The move is meant to reduce the importation of pharmaceutical products into the country and create more job opportunities in line with the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda.

Also, following the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on businesses, the Ghana Association of Bankers announced a GHS3 billion specialized loan package to support pharmaceutical companies operating in the country.

The Association also announced a GHS10 million package in support of the national fight against the pandemic for the procurement of equipment, support for frontline medical staff in residence, and to ease the burden and practical difficulties faced by vulnerable citizens during this period of restriction in movement.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com