Health Ministry turns gun on Zipline

The government, through the Ministry of Health, appears to be targeting another major service provider in the health sector, following recent controversies surrounding the termination of Lightwave E-Health Solutions, operators of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).

The latest comments by the Head of Communications at the Ministry of Health, Mr Tony Goodman, have sparked concerns among industry watchers that Zipline Ghana, a company globally recognised for using drones to deliver medical supplies, could be next to face termination.

According to him, the company in most cases delivers “condoms and examination papers” to health facilities and schools within its operational areas.

“If you look at things, Zipline was supposed to, according to them, at least transport essential drugs. But in most cases, condoms and exam papers,” Mr Goodman said.

He further questioned whether the facilities receiving blood deliveries from Zipline have the capacity to verify or match them before use, describing the company’s work as “some charade.”

“If Zipline is moving blood from one place to the other, who is there to match that blood? Do the facilities have the requisite labs to even match blood?” he asked.

The comments have drawn sharp reactions from observers who believe the Ministry’s position forms part of a broader attempt to discredit and eventually discontinue partnerships with private entities in the health sector.

Some critics have likened the move to “naming a dog to hang it,” arguing that the Ministry’s recent posture could undermine critical services that have strengthened healthcare delivery, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

They fear that the developments could mirror what happened with Lightwave, the company behind LHIMS, which has reportedly been shown the exit.

“It appears Lightwave has already been sent packing, and it’s safe to say Zipline is next to go,” a health analyst observed.

Since its introduction in Ghana, Zipline has been credited with improving the delivery of essential medical commodities, including vaccines and emergency medical supplies, through its drone technology.

The company’s work has been widely acknowledged internationally as a model for innovation in health logistics, with its operations replicated in several African countries.

Although Zipline’s scope of work extends beyond the delivery of blood products, industry experts say its overall contribution to the supply of emergency medical items has been significant, helping to bridge logistical gaps in remote areas.

Critics, therefore, describe the Ministry’s comments as unfortunate and capable of undermining public confidence in a system that has largely complemented the government’s efforts in healthcare delivery.

Mr Goodman, in his remarks, also alluded to other pressing issues within the health sector, including recruitment challenges and unpaid allowances. He noted that the government was working to address these matters gradually.

“There were a lot of issues in the health sector.  It was recently that we had to try as much as possible for the Cabinet to give approval to put them on the payroll. Huge numbers,” he said.

He added that the Ministry was focusing on resolving these challenges one after another.

“There are a lot of problems, but you need to deal with them one by one. Look at the health sector, HR issues. Gradually, they are trying to resolve them,” he said.

Meanwhile, critics argue that while the government’s commitment to restructuring the sector is welcome, the approach of publicly running down private sector partners could have long-term consequences for the delivery of healthcare services.

They contend that these service providers have been instrumental in complementing public health efforts and that discrediting them could discourage innovation and investment in the sector.