Rokmer Pharma Ltd

Tag: Ghana Health News

Skin disease outbreak leaves Mepe-Avetakpo residents in agony

Skin disease outbreak leaves Mepe-Avetakpo residents in agony

Skin disease outbreak leaves Mepe-Avetakpo residents in agony

The sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume, Togbe Kwasi Amedor III, has expressed concern over a communicable skin disease outbreak affecting many children and adults in Avetakpo enclave, a farming community in Ghana’s Volta Region.

According to the chief, the infected residents are experiencing sleep deprivation, acute, and prolonged bodily pains.

Despite the severity of the outbreak, he indicated that affected individuals are unable to access medical treatment due to a lack of funds.

Based on the request by the Queen Mother of the area, Mama Aku Seme II, officials from the Ho East District Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service (GHS) visited the area, but a budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 was set for the community to pay before treatment could begin.

Unfortunately, the community couldn’t raise the funds.

“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Chief Togbe Amedor III stated.

He disclosed that the disease has spread to neighboring communities, with over 46 people affected so far.

Togbe Amedor III is calling for immediate government intervention to support the community with funds for mass medical treatment.

He emphasized the need for contingency measures to prevent infections and maintain residents’ well-being.

The chief expressed frustration that health officials didn’t provide the actual name of the disease or its source, leaving the community uncertain about the situation.

The lack of access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing sources with cattle and animals, may be contributing to the outbreak.

The chief’s appeal highlights the need for government support to address the skin disease outbreak in Mepe-Avetakpi.

More Stories Here

Source: Graphic Online

<p>The post Skin disease outbreak leaves Mepe-Avetakpo residents in agony first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

Major Opioid bust: Health Ministry destroys Illicit drugs in bold move against Crisis

Major Opioid bust: Health Ministry destroys Illicit drugs in bold move against Crisis

Major Opioid bust: Health Ministry destroys Illicit drugs in bold move against Crisis

By Savannah Pokuaah Duah

Ghana’s Ministry of Health has taken a decisive stance against the opioid crisis, destroying a massive consignment of illicit opioid-containing drugs valued at GH₵20 million. The destroyed shipment, which included 128 boxes of Tafrodol, 92 boxes of Timaking Tapertado, and 10 boxes of Rahol Tapentadol, posed significant risks to public health, particularly among the youth.

The destruction exercise, carried out at Vigour-DW Enterprise in Ashaiman, was supervised by key regulatory and legal authorities, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). 

Minister for Health, Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized that the action was not only to eliminate the harmful substances but also to send a strong warning to those engaged in the illegal drug trade.

“We will not stop here. After the safe disposal of this consignment, we will further investigate the clearing agent and the importer, and hand them over to the Attorney General for prosecution,” Akandoh affirmed.

The Minister also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious drug-related activities to the authorities. “We all have a role to play in protecting our communities,” he said, urging citizens to join forces with the government in the fight against illicit drugs.

The destruction of the seized consignment is a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and protect public health. The FDA’s Chief Executive, Dr. Delese A. Darko, highlighted the dangers of opioid use, citing potential health effects such as nausea, vomiting, hypertension, hypotension, and tachycardia.

More Storie Here

<p>The post Major Opioid bust: Health Ministry destroys Illicit drugs in bold move against Crisis first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

NHIA begins payment of arrears, urges private health providers to resume NHIS services

NHIA begins payment of arrears, urges private health providers to resume NHIS services

NHIA begins payment of arrears, urges private health providers to resume NHIS services

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has called on the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) to reconsider its decision to suspend services to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cardholders over delayed claim reimbursements.

The PHFAoG announced the suspension in a statement issued on 4 April 2025, citing what it described as persistent delays in the payment of claims owed to its member facilities.

In a press release dated April 5, 2025, and signed by its Chief Executive, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, the NHIA acknowledged the concerns raised by the association and indicated that measures had been taken to address the issue.

“Modalities for the payment of outstanding claims have been fully concluded, and disbursement has commenced since Friday, 4th April 2025,” the statement said.

Dr Bampoe added that further payments were being processed and would reflect in the accounts of affected providers in the coming days.

“We are focused on continuing to work with all service providers while ensuring the sustainability of the scheme,” he stated.

The NHIA also appealed to the PHFAoG to reverse any action that could disrupt access to healthcare for NHIS members.

“We urge the PHFAoG to rescind any decision that may compromise access to healthcare for our cherished NHIS members,” Dr Bampoe said, stressing the vital role private health providers play in delivering healthcare across the country.

He further noted that the Authority remained open to dialogue and was committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to resolve any outstanding issues..

Read below the full statement:

More Stories Here

<p>The post NHIA begins payment of arrears, urges private health providers to resume NHIS services first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>

GAVI engages with Ghana’s Health Ministry to enhance vaccine support

GAVI engages with Ghana’s Health Ministry to enhance vaccine support

GAVI engages with Ghana’s Health Ministry to enhance vaccine support

By Savannah Pokuaah Duah

Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) recently convened with officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Health to discuss its ongoing initiatives within the country’s healthcare framework.

The visit also aimed to outline GAVI’s objectives for 2025 while evaluating the progress made in previous years.

Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, welcomed the GAVI delegation, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to improving immunization programs and ensuring sustainable financing for vaccines. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to guaranteeing that every child has access to essential vaccinations.

Alhaji Adam recognized significant challenges, such as the need for ongoing financing for immunization and the acceleration of initiatives like the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) and Expanded Access to Immunization Financing (EAF). 

He mentioned that the upcoming days would involve high-level discussions with government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations. These talks are deemed vital for reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to sustainable vaccine funding, monitoring GAVI-supported programs, and addressing any implementation challenges.

Health Minister, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh expressed appreciation for GAVI’s efforts in tackling vaccine disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations, including women and children. 

He underscored Ghana’s proactive measures to prevent vaccine shortages and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to fulfilling its co-financing responsibilities despite financial challenges.

“We understand the significance of sustainable domestic financing, and we are implementing strategic measures to ensure timely payments and uninterrupted immunization services,” he remarked.

Mr. Akandoh also noted that as Ghana prepares to transition away from GAVI support, discussions are in progress to secure long-term funding for immunization efforts. 

The government is currently working through the Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC) to develop an Investment Case for Immunization aimed at enhancing vaccine coverage and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

Regarding procurement strategies, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s focus on improving cold chain infrastructure, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and addressing challenges such as the underestimation of birth cohorts, which affects vaccine planning.

He concluded by stressing that collaboration with GAVI and other global health partners is crucial for achieving universal immunization coverage and safeguarding the health of all children.

More Stories Here

<p>The post GAVI engages with Ghana’s Health Ministry to enhance vaccine support first appeared on Ghana Health Journal.</p>