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The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Aboagye Dacosta, has unveiled a proposed policy agreement aimed at easing the financial burden on end-stage kidney patients.
In an interview with JoyNews on May 14, Dr. Dacosta revealed that the decision awaits approval from the NHIA Board, with the scheme intended to absorb a portion of the expenses associated with kidney treatment, particularly dialysis.
Highlighting the progress made on dialysis, Dr. Dacosta emphasized that a committee tasked with implementing the disbursement of funds approved by Parliament had concluded its report, including input from dialysis patients themselves.
He elaborated that the scheme would serve as a complementary measure to address the escalating costs of dialysis, providing much-needed assistance to patients in need.
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Dr. Dacosta further noted that kidney patients at Korle Bu Hospital currently receive support from philanthropists, covering approximately GH¢380 of their bills, with the proposed scheme expected to cover the remaining expenses.
“We are looking at supplementing for both patients from Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Central, in such a way that for Korle Bu, because they do receive support, we will be able to bridge the gap for them. We also intend to support our patients from Cape Coast and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” he explained.
However, Kojo Baffour Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, raised concerns during an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on May 14. He mentioned that since the hospital reopened after a temporary closure, renal patients have been required to pay the full dialysis cost. He expressed uncertainty about the statement made by Dr. Dacosta regarding the covered costs, awaiting further clarification and implementation of the proposed scheme.
