Price of birth control pills in Ghana & Where to Buy
For many Ghanaians, access to contraception is an important healthcare concern. What types are available, where can they be obtained, and how much do they cost? This article explores the contraceptive landscape in Ghana, with a focus on birth control pills – one of the most common and effective options for preventing unintended pregnancy.
Price range of birth control pills in Ghana
The price of birth control pills in Ghana can range from as low as GHS 10 per month for a generic brand of pills to as high as GHS 50 per month for a brand-name brand of pills. The dosage of the pills can also affect the price, with higher-dose pills typically being more expensive.
Where to buy birth control pills in Ghana
Birth control pills can be purchased at a number of different places in Ghana, including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. They can also be purchased online from a number of reputable retailers.
Types of birth control pills in Ghana
Combination pills
These pills contain both estrogen and progestin, and are the most effective type of birth control pill.
Progestin-only pills
These pills only contain progestin, and are less effective than combination pills. However, they are a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.
Extended-cycle pills
These pills are taken for 3 months straight, followed by a week of placebo pills. This can be a good option for women who have trouble remembering to take their pills every day.
Seasonale
This pill is a type of extended-cycle pill that is taken for 3 months straight, followed by a week of placebo pills. It is also a good option for women who have trouble remembering to take their pills every day.
Factors affecting the price of
Import Costs
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Most brands are manufactured abroad and imported, incurring shipping and customs fees that drive up the retail price. Hormonal contraceptives are not currently manufactured domestically.
Taxes
Birth control pills are subject to Ghana’s national health insurance levy and VAT, adding to the final cost passed onto consumers.
Brand Name Recognition
Branded pills with international name recognition tend to command higher prices than generic equivalents with the same active ingredients.
Accessibility of Raw Ingredients
The hormones and chemical components have to be imported, which hikes production costs for even generic pills. Domestic manufacturing could lower prices.
Prescription Requirements
Removing the need for a doctor’s prescription makes birth control more accessible, but also eliminates the prescription drug subsidy.
Conclusion
For women in Ghana, the availability of affordable contraception can have far-reaching benefits. Preventing unintended pregnancies gives women greater control over their health, education and career prospects. High prices continue to put birth control out of reach for many lower-income Ghanaians. Understanding what drives these costs is an important part of advancing reproductive rights and healthcare access for all.
