In the last quarter of 2019, CHAG rolled launched and rolled out the Digital Supply chain program for which it had partnered PharmAccess to address the shortfalls in medicines supply system in Ghana.
These include high cost, poor quality and difficult access to medicines. Although the programme had been planned for the year, the 30% reduction in the prices of medicines on the NHIA medicines list supported the need for this digitally supported pooled procurement system.
Following the study that sought to explore the benefits of pooled procurement of medicines that was undertaken in June 2017, a series of engagements were done in 2018. The health coordinators, suppliers and other key stakeholders were engaged and made inputs into the programme.
The programme is set to roll out in 2019 and is intended to address quality, access and cost issues associated with the CHAG supply chain system. Importantly, it would also extend credit to health facilities and the suppliers to address the funding gaps and thereby make medicines more affordable and safer.