Patients and healthcare providers across Ghana are breathing a sigh of relief as Breast Care International (BCI), in collaboration with Direct Relief USA and Teva Pharmaceuticals, distributes essential medicines to over 20 health facilities, providing a vital lifeline to those struggling to access critical treatments in oncology, mental health, and general care.
The donation targets patients who struggle to afford critical treatments, particularly in oncology, mental health, and general care.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Peace and Love Hospital in the Oforikrom Municipality, where the impact of the donation was immediately visible in the faces of healthcare providers and patients alike.
The donated drugs cover several critical areas cancer treatments such as Capecitabine 500 mg tablets, Antihypertensives like Amlodipine 10 mg, Antibiotics including Amoxicillin 500 mg and Azithromycin 250 mg, mental health medications like Bupropion Hydrochloride 100 mg and Nefazodone Hydrochloride 100 mg.
Other supplies include Sildenafil Citrate 20 mg, Metronidazole injections 500 mg, Betamethasone Dipropionate Clotrimazole cream, Isoflurane 99.9 percent, and Theraflu Severe Cold Relief chewable tablets.
Some of the beneficiary facilities include Willingway Rehab and Recovery Center, Korase CHPS Compound, Basic Needs Ghana, Effiduase Asokore Health Centre, Kokofu Government Hospital, and XTAN Medical Aid, Joma.
Officials emphasised that the wide range of medications would directly improve treatment outcomes for patients in both urban and rural communities, many of whom face financial barriers to care.
Direct Relief’s collaboration with BCI has spanned more than a decade, providing over $100 million in medical support since 2014. Representatives at the event described the continuing partnership as a lifeline for underserved communities across Ghana.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of BCI and CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, highlighted the importance of the intervention:
“These drugs are meant for those who cannot pay for them. They must be given out freely,” she said.
She added that any attempt to sell the medications would breach the agreement with Direct Relief USA.
Dr. Wiafe Addai expressed heartfelt appreciation to Direct Relief USA and Teva Pharmaceuticals for their consistent and compassionate support, noting that the donation strengthens Ghana’s national response to cancer and other chronic conditions.
The impact of the donation was immediately felt by those on the frontlines of patient care. A clinical psychologist at Willingway Rehab and Recovery Center, Dr. Aaron Prosper Kuubagr, described the intervention as “a huge relief.”
“Our facility operates largely on humanitarian grounds, so this support eases a significant financial burden,” he said.
He explained that having essential mental health medications available would greatly improve patient care and accessibility.
Dr. Kuubagr pledged that all medications would be handed out free of charge, ensuring that the drugs reach the people who need them most.
“We will make sure these drugs reach the people who need them most,” he affirmed, describing the donation as a timely intervention that empowers facilities to serve vulnerable groups more effectively.
Head of programmes at Basic Needs Ghana, Dokurugu Adam Yahaya, also commended BCI for always providing timely intervention. “The support has been extensive, reaching out to the most in need,” he said.