Policy on PPE production key to epidemic readiness — Dr Afoko
The Medical Director of the Tamale Urology and Modern Surgical Centre, Dr Akisibadek Afoko, has called for a national policy on the local production of personal protective equipment (PPE) to strengthen the country’s preparedness for disease outbreaks and reduce dependence on imported medical supplies.
Such a policy, he said, would help build local manufacturing capacity for essential medical supplies to avoid shortages during public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.
"It should be a national policy, and it should be multi-sectoral. It should involve the health sector, the environmental sector and the trade ministry so that investors and partners can be encouraged to produce PPE, as well as other essential plastic products locally," he stated.
He indicated that quality PPE remained scarce and expensive to procure, making it necessary for Ghana to invest in domestic production to ensure a steady supply during emergencies.
He added that “the issue of PPE has been a national problem. If a nation's security is at stake, we have to learn to produce most of the things we require”.
Donation
Dr Afoko made the call when the Tamale Urology and Modern Surgical Centre presented about 200 units of PPE and 3,000 face masks to the Northern Regional Health Directorate in Tamale.
The items are expected to be distributed to district health directorates and health facilities to support emergency response activities and improve the safety of frontline health workers.
Dr Afoko, who is a Consultant Urologist and President of LeMed Ghana, cautioned that Ghana could face significant challenges in accessing protective equipment during future global health crises if adequate local production systems were not established.
According to him, promoting local PPE production should be pursued through a coordinated national strategy involving the health, trade and environmental sectors.
Dr Afoko urged the government to encourage local manufacturers, particularly those in the plastics industry, to diversify into the production of PPE instead of concentrating solely on plastic bags, which contribute to environmental pollution.
"We still have a use for plastics, but instead of producing plastic bags that pollute the environment, some manufacturers could shift towards producing PPE and other essential medical supplies that would benefit the country," he stated.
Commendation
Receiving the items, the Northern Regional Director of Health, Dr Chrysantus Kubio, expressed gratitude to the Tamale Urology and Modern Surgical Centre for the gesture.
"In early detection, it is important that we prevent others from getting the infection, including healthcare workers and community members. If you are adequately dressed and protected, the chances of getting the infection or transmitting it to others are significantly reduced," he noted.
He said the Regional Health Directorate had to continuously prepare for potential disease outbreaks by strengthening surveillance systems and maintaining stocks of essential medical supplies.
Writer’s email:mohammed.fugu@
graphic.gh.com
