The CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa, has announced that the government is set to disburse GH¢2 million to support dialysis treatment in Ghana for underprivileged patients.
This funding, which was approved by Parliament, aims to alleviate the financial burden on kidney patients who struggle with the high costs of dialysis.
The approval of these funds in March came in response to urgent appeals from kidney patients seeking government intervention due to the rising expenses of dialysis treatment. The increase in costs has made it difficult for many patients to afford the necessary care, highlighting the need for immediate financial assistance from the government.
The urgency of the situation was underscored on Monday when the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital raised the cost of dialysis from GH¢380 to GH¢491 per session. This hike has been met with criticism, with some members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health deeming it illegal. The disbursement of the GH¢2 million is thus a critical step in ensuring that dialysis remains accessible to those who need it most.
Remarks by Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa Regarding Dialysis Treatment in Ghana
We have made progress on dialysis. That committee that was set up to implement the disbursement has concluded its report and I can say that within the next few weeks, we will begin the disbursement to the various hospitals.
What was approved by Parliament was for the needy, this will supplement for patients in Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye and the Cape Coast hospital, he revealed.
