NHIA launches free dialysis programme for renal patients
STARTING December 1, 2024, hundreds of renal disease patients in Ghana will receive free dialysis treatment under a newly rolled-out programme by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The initiative, expected to benefit over 1,200 patients annually, was officially announced by the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, during a media briefing at the Authority’s head office in Accra.
Dr. Aboagye revealed that the programme, a significant addition to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), will require an annual budget of GHS 20 million to GHS 57 million to reimburse credentialed healthcare facilities providing the service.
Funding will come from government allocations, development partners, and corporate contributions.
“Currently, the Finance Minister has allocated about GH₵2 billion for the next three months, translating to GH₵600 million monthly. The free dialysis programme is sustainable and will remain unaffected by any changes in government since it is incorporated into the NHIS Benefit Package and backed by the constitution,” Dr. Aboagye explained.
He added that in 2025, the program will be further supported by a projected GHS 1.3 billion annual allocation, ensuring the consistent provision of dialysis services and equipment.
Procurement of dialysis machines
To meet growing demand, the NHIA, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Ministry of Health, is procuring additional dialysis machines and consumables for healthcare facilities across the country.
“Thirty dialysis machines have been ordered, with seven already delivered and 23 awaiting clearance at the ports. An additional 15 machines have been approved by the Public Procurement Authority. Each machine comes with 2,000 consumables, which means the 45 machines will bring 6,000 consumables in total,” Dr. Aboagye disclosed.
These efforts align with the government’s Agenda 111 initiative, aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure and reducing travel distances for treatment. Dialysis centers will be established nationwide to improve accessibility.
Readiness for implementation
Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Acting Chief Executive of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, assured the public of the hospital’s preparedness to accommodate the expected increase in renal patients.
“We are ready to start on December 1. Arrangements have been made at the renal units, and consumables are being delivered. Everything is in place,” he said. The free dialysis programme marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, ensuring access to life-saving treatment for individuals with renal diseases, irrespective of their financial situation.
