As part of Ghana’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed the Pharmacy Council to revise the criteria for awarding pharmacy licences from a distance-based system to a population-based approach.

Speaking at a two-day Expanded Stakeholders Retreat, the Minister said the existing licensing framework, which focuses on the physical distance between pharmacies, no longer adequately serves the country’s healthcare needs.

He noted that the system has contributed to the uneven distribution of pharmacies, particularly disadvantaging underserved and densely populated communities.

According to him, adopting a population-based licensing model will help ensure a fairer distribution of pharmacies across the country, improve access to essential medicines, and support the government’s broader healthcare objectives.

The Minister said the policy shift aligns with Ghana’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, which seeks to guarantee that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship.

The new licensing approach is expected to strengthen pharmaceutical service delivery nationwide and enhance equitable access to medicines, especially in communities currently lacking adequate pharmacy coverage.