The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners has urged the government to waive import duties and taxes on advanced, high-tech cancer treatment equipment.

The National President of the society, Dr Andre Kwasi Kumah, said this would help enhance the country’s capacity for managing cancer and enable the private sector to meet its expectations.

He explained that the private sector's ability to secure such high-tech equipment would ease the government's burden in cancer treatment.

He said this during a press encounter at the end of the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners held in Ho.

“We, therefore, want to suggest to the government to waive off the import duties and taxes on such items, and facilitate their ready discharge from the ports."

“SPMDP is a well-organised group and capable of ensuring that such waivers are not abused when granted”, he said.

He requested that the government provide dedicated funding in the annual budgets to cushion the private sector, as it plays a pivotal role in providing healthcare to the citizenry.

“We also wish for the government to provide dedicated budgetary support for the private sector or provide financial guarantees that will enable the private sector to seek assistance from the banks”, he added.

He underscored the stringent need to upgrade treatment technology, integrating care into insurance, increasing community screening and establishing a comprehensive cancer training institute in each district to enhance human resources in dealing with cancer.

“This fight cannot be successfully won by a single entity. There is the need for all stakeholders to be on board. SPMDP is well-positioned and ready to be a partner in the fight against the cancer menace”, he said.

“Cancer is not a new problem, however, it requires new management strategies in curbing its menace on the Ghanaian populace. As a major player, SPMDP is poised to work with the state in managing this canker effectively. Together, we will win this fight for the benefit of the people of Ghana”, he concluded.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the meeting, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof Lydia Aziato, emphasised early detection, treatment, referrals, and research as pragmatic measures in the fight against cancer.

“I mentioned that you help us create awareness and health education, helps us to detect early, and I'm adding the fact that you help us refer, early. I am calling on you to incorporate research. Find some research, conduct some research to help in the area of practice “, she said.

The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, stressed that the government has exhibited its commitment to reducing cases of non-communicable diseases and improving general well-being through the introduction of the Free Primary Health Care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

He, therefore, called for public-private sector collaboration to improve cancer management in the country.

“Private health providers continue to make significant contributions to help financing, service delivery, technology adoption, specialist care, and job creation. Your role in expanding assets and improving the quality of care is widely recognised and appreciated. 


“The Ministry of Health, fairmly beliefs, a stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential to effectively address the growing burden of cancer”, he said.

The 45th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners was themed “The New Dynamics of Cancer and its Management in the Attainment of SDGs”.