Port Charges Hindering Access To Donated Medicines – Breast Care International

Breast Care International (BCI) has called on government to grant tax and duty waivers on donated medical supplies.

BCI warns that high port charges are restricting access to millions of dollars’ worth of essential medicines intended for patients across Ghana.

President of Breast Care International and Founder of Peace and Love Hospital, Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, said the organisation recently received donated medicines with an estimated wholesale value of about US$4.8 million. However, she explained that clearing charges, taxes and duties at the ports continue to make it difficult and costly to bring the supplies into the country.

“We receive items with a wholesale value of about US$4.8 million, but we did not purchase them; they are donated to us,” she said, adding that a waiver at the ports would enable the organisation to import more medical support.

Dr Wiafe Addai noted that the donated medicines, which are mainly branded drugs supplied by international partners, are distributed to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.

“When we receive the medications, we donate them to our partner facilities. We inform them about available stock, and those who need them come for them,” she said.

She stressed that many of the medicines are expensive and often beyond the reach of ordinary Ghanaians, making the donations critical for patient care, especially in underserved areas.

A pharmacist at Kokofu General Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Fitrught Acheampong, said the high cost of medicines often prevents patients from purchasing prescribed drugs.

“Many of our patients are unable to afford their medications because of the cost,” she said, adding that some return for review without completing treatment.

She explained that the donated medicines from Peace and Love Hospital have helped ease the burden on patients by enabling them to access treatment free of charge.

“We are able to provide these medicines at no cost, and that has improved adherence to treatment and follow-up care,” she said.

According to her, the initiative has also increased patient attendance, as beneficiaries share information within their communities.

“We are seeing more patients because people are telling others they can access medicines free of charge,” she added.

Among the recent donations are contraceptives and anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, used to prevent complications before and after surgery.

Dr Wiafe Addai emphasised the importance of contraceptives, particularly in rural communities where economic constraints make it difficult for families to support large households.

“Some people in urban areas may underestimate their importance, but contraceptives are critical in many communities,” she said.

She also highlighted the role of anticoagulants in preventing dangerous blood clots after surgery, noting that such complications can be fatal if not managed.

Dr Wiafe Addai said removing taxes and duties on donated medical supplies would enable charities to bring in more medicines, consumables and equipment to support healthcare delivery.

She added that international partners such as Direct Relief are willing to provide more supplies, but port charges remain a major barrier.

“Our partners have many medicines, consumables and equipment ready to donate, but these challenges prevent us from requesting more,” she said.

She urged authorities to simplify the clearance process for donated medical supplies, stressing that many Ghanaians depend on such support for essential healthcare services.