There is renewed hope for cancer, hypertension, asthma, and diabetic patients as drugs are distributed free of charge to improve their health conditions. Most of the patients in rural areas are unable to afford the medicines they need and are therefore disadvantaged.
For instance, cancer patients spend between GH¢500 and GH¢1,500 every 3 weeks on drugs. Patients who are unable to afford the medication end up dying although these diseases can be prevented or treated with quick access to appropriate medications, and other health services.
To avert such tragedy, two companies; Direct Relief and Teva have provided 47 different medicines to 12 health facilities at a cost of $350,000.
Some of the beneficiaries are Peace and Love Hospital, Bunkprugu District Hospital, Metro Clinic, Apaa SDA Hospital and Fankyenebra Hospital. Others include Ankaase Hospital, SDA Hospital in Asamang, St. Patrick’s Hospital at Maase, Asunafo South District Hospital, Kenyasi Health Center, Pope John Paul II Medical Hospital and Watborg Eye Services.
The drugs include consumables, anti-cancer, hypertensive, asthmatic, diabetic drugs among others.
The President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, who donated the drugs to the facilities urged them to put the medicines to good use to change patients’ lives. Dr. Wiafe-Addai commended donor partners for their invaluable assistance in the delivery of health care in the country.
She said Direct Relief has been of immense help to Ghana through various medicines and hospital consumables they shipped down. She also commended Teva for giving meaning and expression to affordable health care for all.
Dr. Wiafe-Addai stated that the drugs are free and therefore patients should receive them free of charge. “We aren’t selling and you are not supposed to sell.” she said to the beneficiary hospitals.