Former Chairman of the Health Committee in Parliament, Dr. Kwabena Twum Nuamah, has clarified that the government’s free dialysis initiative is not a political maneuver aimed at securing votes in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The government recently announced that free dialysis services will be available in 40 health facilities across the country starting December 1, 2024.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has added dialysis services to its benefit package to provide relief to Ghanaians who cannot afford the high cost of dialysis.
However, some critics have suggested that the initiative has been introduced as a strategy to garner votes for the incumbent government as the election approaches.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, hosted by Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom, Dr. Kwabena Twum Nuamah addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the initiative is not politically motivated.
“Some people might think the initiative is tied to the 2024 elections, but that is not the motive. It is to protect and save lives. The free dialysis should have been introduced a long time ago. Imagine having a sister who needs dialysis to survive but cannot afford it—it’s a sad situation,” Dr. Twum Nuamah said.
He further clarified that while the initiative was not heavily publicized during its pilot phase, it is not intended to trick Ghanaians into voting for the government.
Regarding the government’s progress in building more hospitals, Dr. Twum Nuamah explained the delay in the reconstruction of the La General Hospital. He attributed the delay to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the government had to re-engage investors.
He stated that construction has now resumed, with the project currently 28% complete.