Economists are wondering whether by sampling the full range of alternatives, Ghana could save a cent in the purchase of medical equipment. Stirring scruples include a company called Health Tech Ghana Limited, suppliers of medical equipment some of which have gone to the University of Ghana Medical Centre, UGMC.
The company’s dialysis machines secured from external sources had a street value of 25,000 US dollars per item. An analysis suggests these financials are not in the interest of Ghana which must be tightening the screws on expenditure following the economic challenges the country is facing.
In the light of this, auditors and political activists canvassing for what they call “better deals,” are urging the government to bring alternatives to the plate and finally making the painstaking but the cost cutting choices. If the company in question is still relevant after all the examinations, it could get further mileage.
On the other hand, if the status quo doesn’t guarantee value for money in the procurement of medical equipment for Ghana, there is a possibility advocacy could turn against it.
Kidney disease is on the front burner due to the unusually many cases confronting medical practice. Whilst the need for medical specialists and the high cost of treatment of kidney disease are issues that never go away, a third factor creeping in to complicate matters is the cost of medical equipment with infusion pumps brought in for dialysis on patients.
By Kwame Yedu
