The National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) dialysis program launch has drawn praise from some prominent personalities including actor and TV presenter Chris Attoh, radio personality Kwame Nkrumah Tikeseh, and comedian Kalybos.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, November 26, the celebrities commended the initiative and called for its sustainability to improve healthcare for Ghanaians battling kidney diseases.
Chris Attoh, who linked health to national progress, stressed the importance of prioritizing wellness.
“Several people have died from kidney disease for reasons they didn’t have to. It’s commendable that institutions are stepping up to ensure Ghana moves forward.”
“We all have a responsibility to support this,” Attoh stated, adding that his foundation remains committed to aiding vulnerable groups.
Kwame Nkrumah Tikeseh emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the dialysis equipment. He commended the organizers and urged them to ensure the machines are well maintained.
“We don’t want to wake up one day and hear they are dysfunctional,” he stated.
Comedian Kalybos expressed optimism for the future, urging Ghanaians to support the program.
The dialysis programme, he said, shows hope for the country and appealed to Ghanaians not to politicize it and observed that anything this happens it destroys the initiative.
“Let’s rally behind it, avoid politicizing it, and ensure it benefits all those in need,” he added.
The program, set to begin nationwide on December 1, 2024, is expected to provide accessible and affordable dialysis care for kidney patients, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa, disclosed that to enhance service delivery, the NHIA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Bank, is procuring 45 dialysis machines for distribution across the country.
Seven machines, he said, are already in use, 23 are at the port awaiting clearance, and 15 more have been approved for procurement.
According to him, each machine comes with 2,000 consumables, which means over 6,000 patients can benefit from these units.
The Agenda 111 project is also expected to integrate renal units into district hospitals, ensuring equitable access to dialysis services nationwide.
Dr. Dacosta explained that in addition to treatment, the NHIA will now focus on prevention through its expanded benefits package.
