The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has announced that the government’s free dialysis services will be available in 40 health facilities across the country starting December 1, 2024.
The NHIA recently added dialysis services to its benefit package, with the policy set to commence on December 1. This initiative aims to provide relief to many Ghanaians who cannot afford the high cost of dialysis.
Currently, the cost of dialysis in Ghana ranges between GHC 300 and GHC 1,000. Data indicates that between 4 million and 5.2 million citizens suffer from some form of renal function impairment.
Dr. Aboagye disclosed that patients will be able to access the service in 40 pilot health facilities, including private hospitals.
“We have currently listed about 40 of these centres that our patients would have to go to,” he stated.
He also noted that on Tuesday, November 26, the NHIA will meet with the heads of these facilities to discuss the implementation process.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Monday, November 25, Dr. Aboagye assured the public of the programme’s sustainability, stating that the Authority has the necessary funds to support it.
He further emphasized that a change in government would not affect the free dialysis initiative, as it has already been incorporated into the NHIA’s benefits package and is backed by constitutional provisions.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is contesting to become Ghana’s next president, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing free dialysis treatment.
Dr. Bawumia announced that the NHIA would launch the programme on December 1, highlighting his government’s dedication to improving the lives of citizens suffering from renal diseases.
The pilot programme, launched earlier this year, currently caters to patients over 60 and under 18 years old.
Meanwhile, former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who is seeking re-election, has pledged to establish modern dialysis centres in regions that currently lack such facilities. He stated that decentralizing these centres would improve access to treatment.
Available data shows that approximately 2,000 people are currently undergoing dialysis in Ghana. Many patients resort to alternative treatments, accessing renal care only when their condition becomes critical, which negatively affects their quality of life and life expectancy.
Source: Albert Kuzor