Story by Nsor Paul Mensah
In a significant move to enhance healthcare services, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced plans to fully cover the cost of dialysis treatment for Ghanaians, starting from December 1st.
The decision comes after a successful pilot program launched in June, which provided free dialysis sessions for children under 18 and adults over 60. The NHIA has now committed to expanding the coverage to all Ghanaians in need of dialysis.
According to Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, the Chief Executive of the NHIA, the authority has carefully analyzed the prevalence of kidney diseases in the country and projected the financial requirements to sustain the dialysis program. The NHIS has allocated a minimum of 20 million Ghana cedis annually to cover the estimated 1,200 patients requiring dialysis.
"The NHIA is able to take on the cost of dialysis in this country over many years. It is sustainable on the NHIA, and we are committed to improving and working with the facilities to deliver the service," Dr. Aboagye stated during a meeting with healthcare facility heads.
The comprehensive plan includes not only the dialysis coverage but also preventive measures. The NHIA has added preventive and promotive services to its benefit package, allowing Ghanaians to undergo early screening for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are leading causes of kidney diseases.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health is developing an organ donation policy in consultation with stakeholders, further strengthening the holistic approach to addressing the dialysis challenge.
The government's Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to build 111 new hospitals across the country, will also play a crucial role. These new facilities will be equipped with modern renal units and dialysis equipment, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.
"With all these approaches, it means that we do have a comprehensive plan to dealing with this dialysis situation in the country," Dr. Aboagye emphasized, expressing confidence in the NHIA's ability to fund and sustain the dialysis program for the benefit of Ghanaian patients.