Commentary, News

Skyrocketing cost of blood pressure medication linked to rise in heart-related deaths

By Ruth Abla Adjorlolo, Journalist

The recent surge in heart-related deaths has left many wondering what’s behind this alarming trend. While several factors are at play, one glaring issue stands out: the skyrocketing cost of essential blood pressure medication. For many, these life-saving drugs have become unaffordable, with devastating consequences.

Recently, the family of a 55-year-old mother of two, who suffered a fatal heart attack, revealed that she had been struggling to afford her blood pressure medication, often going without it for weeks at a time. This heartbreaking story is not an isolated incident. Thousands of people are being forced to choose between their health and financial stability.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, with 80 percent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This stark reality highlights the disproportionate impact of cardiovascular diseases on vulnerable populations.

In Ghana and across Africa, cardiovascular diseases have become a leading cause of death, primarily due to undetected and under-treated hypertension. Yet, less than 5 percent of health resources in these resource-poor countries are allocated to non-communicable diseases. This glaring disparity underscores the need for urgent action to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases.

The high cost of essential medicines has pushed many people to turn to churches for healing. While faith can provide comfort, it cannot replace medical treatment. This trend highlights the desperation and vulnerability of those priced out of life-saving medication.

It is time for policymakers to act by ensuring affordable access to essential medicines and addressing the root causes of this growing health crisis. Increasing funding for non-communicable diseases, improving access to healthcare—especially in rural areas, promoting awareness and education on hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, supporting research and development of affordable treatments, and encouraging public-private partnerships to reduce costs are all critical steps.

These measures can ensure that life-saving medication is within reach for all, not just the privileged few. Medication should be affordable, always available, and accessible to everyone. The time for action is now.