The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to promptly issue the necessary tax exemptions to facilitate the immediate clearance of antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables currently stuck at the country’s ports.
This demand arises from alleged neglect of donated containers of HIV antiretroviral drugs at the ports since July, leading to unnecessary shortages for Persons Living with HIV.
The Minority has expressed concern that individuals living with HIV who rely on the Abacavir Lamivudine regime are at an elevated risk of developing resistance to this antiretroviral drug, rendering it ineffective against the virus.
They emphasize that if this risk materializes, the government will require additional funding to address the HIV challenge in Ghana.
As a result, the Minority has urged the Ministry of Finance to issue the necessary tax exemption waivers urgently to facilitate the clearance of antiretroviral drugs and medical equipment.
They also recommend implementing an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to prevent delays in clearing such items at the port.
Additionally, they call for reforms at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to eliminate systemic failures that lead to delays in its functions.
