The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has announced that starting December 1, 2024, 20 hospitals across Ghana will offer free dialysis treatment to registered kidney patients. The move is part of a broader initiative to alleviate the financial burden on patients who often struggle to afford the procedure.

The initiative was confirmed by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting kidney patients through the NHIS. The policy builds on a successful pilot launched earlier this year, which targeted patients under 18 and those over 60.

The list of hospitals offering free dialysis includes Hart Adventist Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, among others. The hospitals are accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which oversees the scheme.

Dr. Bawumia reiterated that the policy would cover all kidney patients registered with the NHIS, with dialysis treatment fully funded. The scheme aims to ease the financial strain on families who often find the cost of dialysis unaffordable.

The NHIA has reassured the public that preparations are underway to meet the increased demand for dialysis services. The Authority confirmed that funding from the World Bank has been secured to supply additional dialysis machines to participating hospitals.

While some concerns have been raised about the readiness of the policy, NHIA CEO Dr. Dacosta Aboagye stated that the rollout is proceeding as planned, with the necessary support to ensure the policy’s success.

The new policy is expected to benefit hundreds of kidney patients across the country, significantly improving their access to life-saving treatment.

Source:TheDotNews