List of Hospitals available for free 6-month dialysis support programme

List of Hospitals available for free 6-month dialysis support programme

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has announced the commencement of a six-month free dialysis support programme for renal patients, set to run from June to December 2024.

This initiative comes on the heels of JoyNews’ Dialysis Crisis Series, which highlighted the severe challenges faced by renal patients in accessing affordable dialysis treatment.

The series sparked a national dialogue last year, leading to commitments from various officials and stakeholders to address this critical healthcare issue.

According to a statement released by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on June 1, the dialysis support programme will be divided into two main categories.

The first category includes vulnerable groups, specifically patients aged below 18 and above 60 years. These patients will receive eight free dialysis sessions per month.

The cumulative cost of this support for vulnerable groups is estimated to be approximately GH₵ 2.3 million.

The second category encompasses patients aged 18 to 59 years, who will receive two dialysis sessions per month.

The NHIA has identified several key hospitals where patients will benefit from this programme, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (EFRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital.

The cost of dialysis for patients in this age group is projected to be GH₵144,354 per month, with a total estimated cost of GH₵ 1.01 million by the end of December 2024.

Each dialysis session for this group is priced at GH₵491, making the monthly cost for two sessions GH₵982.

Renal patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) will also benefit from this programme, albeit in a slightly different manner.

They will receive a subsidy for two dialysis sessions per month at GH₵491 per session.

This subsidy is made possible by a philanthropic gesture of GH₵380.00 per patient, highlighting the collaborative effort between the NHIS and philanthropic entities to support renal patients.

The total cost of the initiative is projected to be GH₵4.4 million.

The NHIA’s statement emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to finding sustainable solutions for treating renal diseases and other conditions not currently covered by the NHIS.

This programme is a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on renal patients and ensuring they receive the necessary treatment to manage their condition effectively.

The launch of this dialysis support programme is a direct response to the urgent needs highlighted by the JoyNews’ Dialysis Crisis Series.

ALSO READ: Cost-Free Dialysis For All Patients; NHIS Initiative

The series brought national attention to the struggles of renal patients, many of whom faced prohibitive costs for dialysis treatment.

By tracking the promises made by officials and stakeholders, the series played a crucial role in advocating for improved access to healthcare services for renal patients.

The NHIA’s initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to healthcare, focusing on providing immediate relief while working towards long-term solutions.

It also underscores the importance of media in driving social change and holding authorities accountable.

The dialysis support programme is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of many renal patients, offering them hope and the means to manage their health more effectively.

As the programme rolls out, it will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

The NHIA has expressed its commitment to refining the initiative based on feedback and ensuring that it meets the needs of all beneficiaries.

This ongoing support and adaptability will be crucial in ensuring the programme’s success and sustainability.

In conclusion, the NHIS’s six-month free dialysis support programme represents a vital lifeline for renal patients in Ghana.

By addressing the financial barriers to dialysis treatment, the programme aims to improve the quality of life for these patients and pave the way for more comprehensive healthcare solutions in the future.

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