The Ghanaian government has set an ambitious goal to locally produce 60% of its drugs and vaccines by 2040, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced.
Speaking at a meeting with the World Bank at the Ministry of Health, Hon. Akandoh highlighted the government’s vision for the country’s healthcare system, which includes enhancing medical tourism, building more CHPS compounds, and introducing the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund to support the treatment of chronic diseases not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The meeting provided a platform for the Minister to outline key focus areas, including improving healthcare accessibility, enhancing the quality of services, and addressing critical health challenges faced by the nation.
Hon. Akandoh emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, removing financial barriers to healthcare, and ensuring the sustainability of health programs to achieve long-term health outcomes for all citizens.
The World Bank has expressed its commitment to supporting the Ministry’s efforts, with Rafiat Hasan, the Practice Manager, discussing various mechanisms through which the global financial institution could provide assistance, including technical support, financing, and expertise.
The meeting also explored potential avenues for collaboration, including a multisectoral approach to adolescent health, which requires coordinated efforts across various sectors, such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and social protection, to address the diverse and interconnected factors that influence adolescent well-being.
Hon. Akandoh welcomed the opportunity for continued collaboration, recognizing the vital role that international partnerships play in achieving the Ministry’s goals.
Both parties agreed to explore specific projects that align with the Ministry’s health agenda, further solidifying the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Health and the World Bank.