PharmAccess is a Dutch not-for-profit organization and a recognized pioneer in development cooperation. It is known for advancing innovative public-private partnerships and health financing solutions across Africa. Since its founding in 2001, PharmAccess has worked to improve access to quality healthcare by building strong collaborations with governments, international donors, development partners, and private sector actors.
In Ghana, this long-standing approach is translating into measurable, system-wide impact, demonstrating how quality improvement, financing, and digital innovation can work together to strengthen health systems and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
A central pillar of this work is the SafeCare quality improvement methodology, which provides a structured and measurable approach to improving healthcare delivery. Globally, SafeCare has assessed thousands of facilities, with 74% demonstrating measurable quality improvements, while systems supported through this approach now deliver approximately 9.6 million patient visits every month. In Ghana, SafeCare is increasingly embedded across public, private, and faith-based providers, supporting a shift toward a nationally aligned quality system.
Access to finance remains another critical enabler of quality care. Through the Medical Credit Fund (MCF), PharmAccess has supported over 2,100 healthcare providers and disbursed more than 12,000 loans globally, maintaining a strong 95% repayment rate. Importantly, nearly 30% of these loans support women-led health enterprises, reinforcing both sustainability and inclusion. These investments are enabling healthcare providers to upgrade infrastructure, acquire modern equipment, and expand services to meet growing patient demand.
Digital innovation is also playing a transformative role. Through the Med4All platform, PharmAccess is strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains by enabling facilities to access quality-assured medicines more efficiently and at competitive prices. This reduces stockouts, improves affordability, and ensures continuity of care for patients.
At the same time, PharmAccess is advancing a shift toward patient-centred, outcomes-driven care. In partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Value-Based Care (VBC) models are improving the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. These models emphasize continuous care, patient engagement, and measurable health outcomes.
A key enabler of this approach is NkwaPlus, a digital health solution designed to extend care beyond facility walls. By enabling patients to share real-time health data and clinicians to respond proactively, NkwaPlus supports early detection, improves adherence, and strengthens long-term disease management, shifting care from episodic visits to continuous engagement.
Reflecting on this journey, Dr. Maxwell Antwi, Country Director of PharmAccess Ghana, noted:
“Our experience in Ghana shows that when strong partnerships are combined with data, financing, and innovation, we can build health systems that truly work for people. The focus now is to scale these solutions sustainably and ensure no one is left behind.”
PharmAccess remains committed to deepening this impact, working with partners to expand access, strengthen quality, and build resilient health systems that deliver better outcomes for all.
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