The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has joined calls for the downward revision of the proposed Electronic Transaction Levy, also known as E-Levy.
According to the PSGH, the proposed E-Levy at 1.75% threatens the viability of the government’s proposed e-pharmacy project, which will be dependent on the use and integration of electronic payment systems to pay for services.
“As was indicated, plans are in progress to provide pharmaceutical care electronically, through the e-pharmacy project. This will enable more people in more places to access pharmaceutical services using their electronic devices such as mobile phones to position us on the path to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“However, the PSGH believes that the total charges on e-transactions, especially mobile money transactions, should be reviewed downwards,” the group said in a statement.
The PSGH added that they are “concerned about the 1.75% levy on electronic transactions above GHS100 in addition to the network/system imposed charges (usually between 1%-2%),” which if not reviewed downward will, “hamper the development and growth of electronic services including e-pharmacy in Ghana.”
The PSGH suggested that Ghana reviews the levy to below 1% while the total charges by Telecommunication Companies are also reviewed to below 1% to accommodate the introduction of the e-levy.
They took the opportunity to appeal to the government to exempt the pharmaceutical industry from restoring the benchmark value.
According to the PSGH, the proposed restoration will lead to a drastic increase in the price of medicines, especially those already not exempted from VAT.
“The PSGH, therefore, calls on government not to include pharmaceuticals in the imported items that will have the full benchmark values restored for the purposes of payment of import duties,” the group concluded.
Latest Stories
-
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
1 hour -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
1 hour -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
2 hours -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
2 hours -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
2 hours -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
2 hours -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
2 hours -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
2 hours -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
2 hours -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
3 hours -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
3 hours -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
3 hours -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
3 hours -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
3 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
3 hours