Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospital and President of Breast Care International, has raised concerns over the imposition of import duties on donated medical supplies, arguing that such charges could undermine philanthropic efforts to improve healthcare access in Ghana.
Dr. Wiafe Addai voiced her objections following the Peace and Love Hospital’s donation of essential medical supplies to 400 health facilities in rural Ghana.
The supplies, which include drips, vaginal speculums, pregnancy supplements, intravenous infusion products, and various medications, were provided free of charge by Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization.
The donation aims to support Ghana’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to ensure access to quality healthcare for all by 2030.
Dr. Wiafe Addai emphasized the importance of these supplies in alleviating the healthcare burden on impoverished patients and urged that they not be sold.
“This intervention is critical for many patients who cannot afford essential medications.
These supplies must remain free of charge to those in need,” she said during the handover ceremony to the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG).
Kwaku Frimpong, Chairman of the CHAG Board of Trustees, assured that the donated items would be distributed to CHAG facilities and other health centres without charge to patients.
Dr. Wiafe Addai also called on the government to implement an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment.
She expressed frustration over the high port charges that delay the clearance of donated medical goods. These charges could discourage future donations and impede healthcare improvements.
“These consignments are intended for under-resourced areas and should be provided free of charge.
Imposing duties on such humanitarian aid is counterproductive. We urge the government to consider reducing or waiving these costs to facilitate quicker and more effective support,” she stressed.
Dr Wiafe Addai’s appeal highlights a broader issue of balancing philanthropic contributions with administrative costs, aiming to enhance the efficiency of healthcare aid distribution in Ghana.
