Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, has confirmed the launch of free dialysis treatment at various accredited health facilities across the country.
This initiative, introduced by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on November 10, aims to ease the financial burden on kidney patients in need of dialysis.
The program, which is being implemented through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), offers free dialysis services at accredited health facilities nationwide. In an interview with Channel One News, Ahenkorah encouraged renal patients across Ghana to take full advantage of this groundbreaking initiative, which is expected to provide significant relief to those affected by kidney-related illnesses.
“So far, from my search everything is moving on smoothly. That was all we were hoping to hear from the government. We give them a thumbs up for the good work done. I called to check and I am reliably informed that it is moving on smoothly.
“Korle-Bu started and all those who went there today did not pay anything. From Kumasi, Cape Coast, Ho, the same I heard. The rollout is doing well in most of the facilities that I cross-checked. So far so good”
“Every kidney patient who is under the National Health Insurance Scheme should just walk to any government facility so we can dialyse you. You don’t need anything. All that you are supposed to have is the NHIS card which hasn’t expired”, he stated.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has allocated over GH₵200 million to healthcare facilities across Ghana to officially launch free dialysis services for kidney patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
This initiative, which was announced by the NHIA on November 30, 2024, will take effect from December 1, 2024, and is aimed at easing the financial burden on kidney patients covered by the NHIS. The policy follows the successful pilot program earlier this year, which targeted individuals under 18 and over 60.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia unveiled the program, while NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye confirmed that, in collaboration with the World Bank, the government has procured 45 dialysis machines nationwide.
Seven machines have been delivered, 23 are awaiting clearance, and 15 more have been ordered to enhance dialysis services across the country.
