Renal patients have voiced their disappointment following an update on the situation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Renal Dialysis Unit (RDU) presented to Parliament by the Minister of Health.
Thomas Kan, a renal patient emphasized the absence of specific policy directives aimed at reducing the cost of dialysis in the Minister’s statement to the Parliament.
He had hoped for announcements regarding tax waivers on dialysis machines and consumable imports and immediate actions to increase the availability of functioning machines within the system.
During an interview in Parliament on November 9, 2023, Thomas highlighted the challenges faced by patients, citing instances where more than 300 patients are being serviced by only about 50 machines, with a mere 13 of them functional at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Renal Unit.
He also pointed out the deteriorating condition of machines in other government dialysis centers, which is reducing the number of patients that could be treated simultaneously.
Thomas lamented the lack of policies addressing the replacement of machines once they reach the end of their lifespan, stating, “This is the problem that we are facing now.”
He stressed the urgency of addressing these issues, especially the rising costs of dialysis services.
Thomas expressed his concern over the financial burden on patients, with fees ranging from GH¢350 to GH¢380 per session in government hospitals, and the private facilities charging even higher, making consistent treatment difficult for many Ghanaians.
Despite the Minister of Health’s assurance of clearing the GH¢4 million debt at the Renal Unit, Thomas emphasized the pressing need for immediate action, stating, “People are really dying.” He urged the government to implement measures urgently to bring down the cost of dialysis services.
Baffour Kojo Ahenkra, President of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, acknowledged the opening of the Renal Unit at KBTH and expressed gratitude for the Minister’s efforts.
He, however, called for sustained initiatives to ensure consistent treatment for renal patients.
He said, “We appreciate the Minister and the government, but more efforts are needed to assure renal patients of consistent treatment.”
Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, in his presentation to Parliament, revealed the government’s deliberations on potential solutions to the challenges faced by the Renal Dialysis Unit (RDU) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
He underscored the options under consideration including the possible inclusion of dialysis on the National Health Insurance benefit package, granting subsidies based on proposals from the Hospital, and a potential review of tariffs.