On May 14, the Minister of Health designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, inaugurated the third West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2024 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The event convened a diverse array of stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, comprising wholesalers, dealers, and distributors of medical diagnostic pharmaceuticals, as well as hospitals and influential decision-makers from Ghana and other African nations.
Their aim was to delve into the transformative possibilities offered by digital innovations in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Okoe-Boye commenced by emphasizing the significant influence of technology on healthcare, presenting statistics that underscored the promising trajectory of digital health solutions in West Africa.
He commended Ghana’s advancements, particularly initiatives like telemedicine and the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP), spearheaded by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the NEPP’s notable success in improving healthcare access and patient safety through robust regulatory frameworks and public-private collaborations.
He reassured stakeholders of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision to establish Ghana as a pharmaceutical hub, urging collaboration and innovation towards a healthier future.
Mr. Harrison K. Abutiate, Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, outlined the chamber’s mission to promote pharmaceutical excellence in Ghana and beyond.
He provided an overview of the chamber’s structure, which includes the National Executive Council (NEC) and the General Assembly.
Mr. Abutiate explained that the NEC, consisting of 21 council members representing various pharmaceutical business groups, guides the chamber’s leadership. On the other hand, the General Assembly encompasses the entire membership of these groups, totaling 343 pharmaceutical importers, 1,500 wholesalers, 5,000 retailers, over 19,000 over-the-counter medicine sellers, and 500 small-scale manufacturers.
He encouraged stakeholders to utilize the chamber’s resources and expertise to advance mutual goals and innovate in healthcare delivery.
Mr. Thomas James, Marketing Director of WAPHC Ghana, the organizers of the exhibition, mentioned that Ghana’s pharmaceutical, medical, and healthcare industry is valued at approximately US$2 billion, with the majority of its product requirements being imported.