In a swift rebuttal to the Joint Press Statement released by the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy (GNCoP) and the Pharmaceutical Importers & Wholesalers Association of Ghana (PIWA) regarding the Draft Executive Instrument (EI) for the restriction of selected medicines from importation, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana (PMAG) has issued a comprehensive response, addressing what they term as “misinformation” propagated by the former groups.

Background
PMAG, an organization with over 30 years of existence, representing 40 medium to large-scale manufacturers along with 100 small-scale manufacturers, expressed concern over what they deemed as misleading information disseminated by GNCoP and PIWA. They emphasized their commitment to supporting the government’s vision to make Ghana a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub and restricting certain molecules for local production.

Contrary to GNCoP and PIWA’s claim of inadequate stakeholder engagement, PMAG insisted that the development of the list involved a thorough and comprehensive process. They highlighted that every update to the list over the years has undergone broad stakeholder engagement, committee deliberations, and representation by GNCoP and PIWA in various committee meetings led by the Ministry of Health.

Concerns Raised by GNCoP and PIWA
PMAG refuted several concerns raised by GNCoP and PIWA, particularly questioning the integrity of the list, capacity of local manufacturers, and potential risks associated with the import restriction. They argued that the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Ghana is robust, with over 40 medium to large-scale manufacturers, and they expressed confidence in their capacity to meet the demands of the restricted medicines list.

In their response, PMAG urged the Minister of Health to continue with the finalization of the EI in its current form, emphasizing the meticulous process followed over the past four years. They called for the adherence to the timelines for the restricted list and urged against any interference by pressure groups, emphasizing the importance of the Technical Working Group’s recommendations.

PMAG concluded their press release by expressing appreciation for the government’s support, the Ministry of Health’s strategies, and their commitment to creating a local pharmaceutical hub for Ghana. They firmly stated that passing the EI, after years of engagement, would lead to the self-sufficiency and development of Ghana’s medicine security.

The pharmaceutical landscape in Ghana is now witnessing a clash of perspectives between key industry players, and the coming days may shed more light on the implications and potential resolutions surrounding the proposed EI.

Read the full statement here… Full text: PMAG Press release

List of medicines to be restricted from importation: medicines to be restricted from importation