The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to immediately issue the necessary tax exemption for the prompt clearance of antiretroviral drugs and medical equipment at the ports.
The Minority is demanding action after HIV anti-retroviral drugs donated in July were neglected at the ports, leading to shortages for Persons Living with HIV.
It was emphasized in a statement released on Friday by the minority caucus that those who rely on the Abacavir Lamivudine regime to combat HIV have a higher risk of developing drug resistance. As a result, the drug may become ineffective against the virus.
The Minority added that should the risk crystallize, the government would require more funding to deal with the HIV challenge in Ghana.
The Minority, therefore, demanded that “The Ministry of Finance as a matter of urgency issue the necessary tax exemption waivers to ensure that immediate clearance of the antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables; implement an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to curtail needless delays in clearing such items at the port and institute reforms at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure that systemic failures that lead to needless delays in the performance of its functions are eradicated.”
The Minority underscored that it was a national emergency and if unchecked could lead to an increase in the prevalence rate of HIV in Ghana, an increase in morbidity and mortality for Persons Living with HIV, and an increase in the overall cost of HIV management in Ghana.
“The Health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis,” it added.
Read the full statement below
