The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has disclosed that the authority will need approximately GHC57 million annually to fund free dialysis treatment for patients with renal diseases.

The initiative, set to commence on December 1, 2024, will ensure NHIA cardholders receive free dialysis sessions as part of the authority’s benefits package.

Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Monday, Dr. Aboagye stated, “We can now confirm that the NHIA will need a minimum of about GHC20 million to GHC57 million for this dialysis programme.”

Secured Funding

Dr. Aboagye assured the public of the programme’s sustainability, revealing that the Finance Ministry has allocated GHC2 billion to support the NHIA over the next three months. This equates to GHC600 million monthly, a portion of which will be directed towards the dialysis initiative.

“In 2025, regardless of the situation, we know that GHC1.3 billion will be coming in. So, with this, we are confident it is sustainable, and we will be able to fund dialysis, including the provision of equipment,” he explained.

The CEO added that the programme is designed to withstand any changes in government. “Once we add it to our benefit package, no one can remove it,” he emphasised, noting that the NHIA’s core mandate is to protect vulnerable groups by covering essential medical treatments.

Addressing an Urgent Need

Currently, dialysis sessions in Ghana cost between GHC300 and GHC1,000 per session, a prohibitive expense for many. Estimates suggest that 13-17% of the population, roughly 4-5.2 million Ghanaians, have some form of renal impairment. However, only around 2,000 individuals currently receive dialysis treatment, leaving thousands without adequate care.

These untreated cases often result in patients seeking alternative remedies or delaying treatment until their condition becomes critical, significantly reducing their quality of life and life expectancy.

Political Support

The initiative has also received backing from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has pledged to ensure free dialysis treatment for all patients if elected president.

The NHIA’s move marks a significant step in addressing the financial burden of renal care in Ghana, offering hope to thousands of affected citizens.

Source:TheDotNews