The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners has called on the government to waive import duties and taxes on advanced cancer treatment equipment to help expand access to specialised care in Ghana.

The Society says removing the financial burden associated with importing high-tech medical equipment would enable private healthcare providers to acquire modern technology and strengthen their capacity to diagnose and treat cancer.

The call was made at the Society’s 45th Annual General Meeting in Ho, where health sector stakeholders discussed ways to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

National President of the Society, Dr Andre Kwasi Kumah, said the government should not only waive the duties and taxes but also facilitate the speedy clearance of such equipment at the ports.

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

Dr Kumah also called for additional financial support to enable private healthcare providers to invest in specialised equipment and expand service delivery.

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

According to him, easier access to financing would help private health facilities make the investments required to support Ghana’s healthcare system.

Call for stronger private-sector coordination

Dr Kumah further proposed the establishment of an umbrella body for private-sector health groups under the Ministry of Health to improve coordination between private providers and government.

He said a Chamber of Health should be established as soon as possible to provide a common platform for private healthcare organisations to engage more effectively with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

“In relation to this also, we also call on the government to facilitate the formation of an umbrella body of private sector groups under the Ministry of Health so that we can effectively coordinate such activities with the major stakeholder, which is the Ministry of Health, and in this light, we propose that the Chamber of Health be instituted as soon as possible,” he said.

Government acknowledges private sector role

Health Minister Kwamena Mintah Akandoh acknowledged the contribution of private healthcare providers to Ghana’s health sector, particularly in financing, service delivery, technology adoption, specialist care and job creation.

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

Mr Akandoh stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and private healthcare providers in addressing the growing burden of cancer.

“The Ministry of Health firmly believes that stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector is essential to effectively address the growing burden of cancer,” he said.

UHAS Vice-Chancellor pushes research and early detection

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof Lydia Aziato, also underscored the importance of public education, early detection and research in improving cancer outcomes.

She encouraged healthcare practitioners to incorporate research into their work and undertake studies that could help improve clinical practice.

“I mentioned that it helps us to create awareness, health education, help us to detect any, and I'm adding the fact that you help us to refer any. I'm calling that you incorporate research, find some research, conduct some research to help in the area of practice as you have it,” she said.

The discussions at the meeting highlighted the need for closer collaboration among government, private healthcare providers and academic institutions to strengthen Ghana’s response to cancer.