|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The recent substantial increase in the cost of dialysis at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has been attributed to the hospital’s growing taxation burden.
This significant rise, exceeding 100%, has impacted kidney patients who rely on dialysis sessions.
According to the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, the decision to raise prices was a response to the escalating tax expenses.
The hospital had previously enjoyed exemptions from importation duties and related taxes. However, these privileges were revoked last year for the dialysis unit, resulting in the unit having to bear the full tax burden.
Salifu emphasized that the equipment and supplies required for dialysis are costly, and without adjusting the prices, the unit might face closure due to unsustainable expenses. He clarified that the motive behind the price increase was not profit-driven but aimed at ensuring the sustainability of quality services for patients.
Also Read: Quest for Independence: Alan Kyeremanten and Six Other Leaders Who Forged a New Political Path
It’s worth noting that this price hike could potentially impact other regional hospitals, as the cost of consumables has also risen. However, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital has not rushed to implement a similar price increase for dialysis treatment. Reports suggest that the hospital’s management has not yet officially discussed or planned any fee adjustments.
The high cost of dialysis treatment has been a significant concern, highlighted during the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
One protester expressed distress over the loss of a patient’s life due to the inability to afford dialysis treatment. The sudden price hike has left many individuals anxious, especially those who were already struggling to cover the previous costs, as they fear that the new prices will worsen their financial burden.
