Starting June 1, 2024, until December 2024, individuals under 18 and over 60 suffering from kidney diseases will be eligible for eight free dialysis sessions per month, as announced by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This initiative, unveiled by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), marks the scheme’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, confirmed that this initiative is part of the anniversary festivities. The government of Ghana has allocated GH¢2,000,000.00, approved by parliament, as part of the NHIA’s 2024 Allocation Formula, to assist financially challenged and vulnerable patients in need of dialysis treatments.
Additionally, the NHIA has set aside another GH¢2,400,000.00 from its Corporate Social Responsibility budget to support this health intervention.
“As part of NHIA’s 20th Anniversary, the NHIA, through administrative arrangements, has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000.00 under the Corporate Social Responsibility approved budget to support this initiative,” the statement said.
The report indicated that after verifying patients currently undergoing dialysis, the monthly cost for those in the specified categories is estimated at GH¢329,952. By the end of December 2024, the total expenditure is expected to reach approximately GH¢2.3 million.
Patients aged 18 to 59 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital, excluding those at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), will receive a subsidy covering two dialysis sessions per month, totaling GH¢982.00 (GH¢491 per session).
“The cost of dialysis for this treatment category is projected to be GH¢144,354 per month, and by the end of December 2024, the cumulative cost is estimated to be approximately GH¢1.01 million,” it added.
Patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) will receive a subsidy covering two dialysis sessions each month. The cost per session is GH¢245.50, which is 50 percent of the standard session price of GH¢491.00. This reduction is made possible by a philanthropic contribution of GH¢380.00 per patient, ensuring cost equity across all medical facilities.
For this group at KBTH, the monthly cost of dialysis is expected to be GH¢147,300. By the end of December 2024, the total cost is projected to be approximately GH¢1.03 million.
“The Government is committed to finding sustainable interventions for dealing with renal diseases and other illnesses not currently covered under the NHIS in a holistic manner and will soon unveil a sustainable plan,” the statement concluded.