The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a significant shift in pharmacy licensing rules, moving from distance-based to population-based criteria.
Speaking at a two-day Expanded Stakeholders Retreat, Minister Akandoh explained that the previous system, which focused on how close pharmacies are to one another, no longer meets the nation’s healthcare needs. The new approach aims to ensure that pharmacy licences are allocated according to population size, particularly targeting underserved communities.
“This change will improve access to medicines nationwide and support Ghana’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage,” the Minister said. Stakeholders welcomed the reform, highlighting its potential to strengthen equitable healthcare delivery and address gaps in pharmacy distribution.
The Ministry of Health expects the policy to be fully implemented in the coming months, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all Ghanaians.