06/06/2024
4 years ago, I set out on an ambitious project to innovate a new payment system for the pharmaceutical sector due to its unique challenges. TODAY MARKS THE INAUGRATION OFTHE SEAPS PROJECT . The project is a collaborative plan facilitated by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana to integrate the pharmaceutical supply chain through digital technology and fintech to the banking sector.
This is the reason for the project;
In Ghana, the percentage of people with high blood pressure is around 30.3%, and the difference between those living in rural and urban areas is getting smaller. Sixty percent of adult deaths are caused by heart-related diseases. An estimated 6.4% of people have diabetes.
In order to control the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Africa, pharmacies will be extremely important. Access to the right medications can prevent 80% of diabetes, stroke, and early heart disease.
Nonetheless, because of ineffective supply chain management, 60% of pharmacies surveyed experienced stockouts of necessary medications. Retail pharmacies often operate using loans or self-financing, making upfront payment of invoices challenging. A consequence of this is stockouts and payment default.
By utilising a digital platform to link the banking system and the pharmaceutical supply chain, the SEAPS (Strategy for Enhanced Access to Pharmaceutical Services) project seeks to increase access to medications.
The banks provide flexible credit terms for inventory acquired and processed through the platforms inventory systems thereby lower their risk for facility default.
The program supports community pharmacies by enabling banks to negotiate advantageous purchasing agreements, offering flexible credit terms, and helping source high-quality pharmaceuticals affordably.
Analysis of supply chain data to inform management decisions improve access to essential medicines, digitalised services, enhance data accessibility, provide financial support to qualified pharmacists, and reduce procurement costs through group purchasing.
The program also assists young pharmacists in setting up model pharmacies through training, mentorship, and financial aid. am extremely grateful to the President of the Pharmaceutical society of Ghana and his deputy executive secretary for their commitment to see this through.
It has been 4 years of negotiations, disappointments, collaborations, meetings, determination , grit and faith.