The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that free dialysis services will be accessible in 40 health facilities nationwide starting December 1, 2024. This initiative, led by NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, aims to ease the financial burden of dialysis treatment for many Ghanaians.
Dialysis services were recently added to the NHIA benefits package, with implementation set to begin in December. The move is expected to bring relief to patients who currently face costs ranging from GHC 300 to GHC 1,000 per session. According to available data, between 4 million and 5.2 million Ghanaians suffer from some form of renal impairment.
Dr. Aboagye revealed that 40 health facilities, including private hospitals, have been selected to provide the service.
“We have identified about 40 centres where patients can access free dialysis services,” he said. He added that NHIA officials would meet with the heads of these facilities on November 26 to finalize the implementation process.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on November 25, Dr. Aboagye assured the public of the initiative’s sustainability, emphasizing that the NHIA has the financial resources to support it. He also stressed that the program is protected by constitutional provisions, ensuring continuity regardless of any change in government.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is running for president, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving healthcare for renal disease patients. He noted that the free dialysis program, set to launch officially on December 1, reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The program, which began as a pilot earlier this year, currently supports patients aged over 60 and under 18.
Meanwhile, former President John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has pledged to build modern dialysis centres in underserved regions if elected. He believes decentralizing these services will significantly improve access to life-saving treatment.
Data shows that approximately 2,000 people in Ghana are currently undergoing dialysis. However, many patients delay seeking care due to high costs, often accessing treatment only in critical stages, which adversely impacts their quality of life and life expectancy.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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