The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the official launch of a comprehensive dialysis program under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) effective December 1, 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative will ensure that kidney disease patients in Ghana receive affordable treatment, a significant step in improving healthcare accessibility nationwide.
Speaking at the NHIA headquarters during the program launch, the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa, shared insights into a successful pilot conducted over the past six months.
The pilot provided free dialysis sessions to children under 18 and adults above 60, while adults aged 19 to 59 received subsidized sessions.
“With a budget of GH€¢4.2 million sourced from Parliament and our corporate social responsibility funds, we supported over 400 patients during the pilot phase.”
“The data collected has guided our projections and ensured sustainability as we scale up the program,” Dr. Da Costa stated.
The NHIA estimates 400 to 1,200 patients may require dialysis annually, based on the country’s population and prevalence rates. Using approved treatment costs GH¢491 per session, the NHIA has modelled three budgetary scenarios.
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.
“Annually, we project the program to cost between GH¢20 million and GH¢57 million. With our current budget and additional funds from taxes, we are confident the scheme can sustain this.”
“This is not just a one-off intervention. We’ve planned for the long-term, and the NHIA will continue to make adjustments to administrative costs and resources to ensure this program is fully funded,” Dr. Da Costa assured.
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 are already in use, 23 are at the port awaiting clearance, and 15 more have been approved for procurement.”
“Each machine comes with 2,000 consumables, which means over 6,000 patients can benefit from these units,” Dr. Da Costa explained.
The government’s 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.
He disclosed that from this year, Ghanaians can visit any health facility in their birth month for free screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that contribute to kidney diseases.
Early detection, he said, will help us reduce cases significantly.
He also revealed that a new organ donation policy is under stakeholder consultation, which will further enhance treatment options for kidney patients.
The launch of the dialysis program brought together heads of renal units, health facility CEOs, and other stakeholders.
Actor Chris Attoh, radio personality Kwame Nkrumah Tikeseh, and comedian Kalybos 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 these equipments are well maintained adding, “We don’t want to wake up one day and hear they are dysfunctional.”
Comedian Kalybos expressed optimism for the future, urging Ghanaians to support the program.
The initiative, he said, shows hope for the country and urged all to rally behind it, avoid politicizing it, and ensure it benefits all those in need.