NHIA to provide free dialysis treatment for renal patients from Dec 1
Beginning December 1, 2024, renal disease patients across Ghana will benefit from free dialysis treatment under a groundbreaking initiative launched by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The program, anticipated to serve over 1,200 patients annually, was announced by NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, during a media briefing in Accra.
Budget and Funding Sources
Dr. Aboagye disclosed that the free dialysis program will require an annual budget of between GHS 20 million and GHS 57 million to reimburse healthcare facilities delivering the service. The funding will be drawn from government allocations, development partners, and corporate contributions.
“The Finance Minister has allocated about GHS 2 billion for the next three months, equivalent to GHS 600 million per month. This ensures the program’s sustainability and safeguards it from political changes, as it is now part of the NHIS Benefit Package and constitutionally protected,” Dr. Aboagye stated.
He added that an annual allocation of GHS 1.3 billion in 2025 will further support the program, ensuring uninterrupted provision of dialysis services and essential equipment.
Expanding Access with New Dialysis Machines
To address rising demand, the NHIA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Bank, is acquiring additional dialysis machines and consumables for healthcare facilities nationwide.
“Thirty dialysis machines have been ordered, with seven already delivered and 23 awaiting clearance at the ports. Furthermore, 15 additional machines have been approved by the Public Procurement Authority. Each machine is supplied with 2,000 consumables, resulting in a total of 6,000 consumables from the 45 machines,” Dr. Aboagye revealed.
These efforts align with the government’s Agenda 111 initiative, which seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure and reduce travel distances for specialized treatments.
Ready to Roll Out
Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Acting Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, assured the public of the hospital’s readiness to accommodate the expected influx of renal patients.
“We are fully prepared to commence on December 1. Renal units have been equipped, and consumables are being delivered. All necessary arrangements are in place,” Dr. Owusu-Sekyere affirmed.
A Milestone in Ghana’s Healthcare
The introduction of free dialysis treatment marks a significant step in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, offering life-saving support to individuals with renal conditions regardless of their financial circumstances. It underscores the NHIA’s commitment to expanding access to critical healthcare services nationwide.
