All kidney patients enrolled under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will be eligible for free dialysis treatment beginning December 1, 2024.
This expansion of dialysis coverage underscores the NHIA’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on patients.
The goal is to ensure that essential medical services are accessible and affordable for everyone who needs them.
This expansion, announced by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during a campaign event in Old Tafo, Ashanti Region, follows a successful pilot programme that offered free dialysis to patients under 18 and those aged 60 and above.
“Many people suffer from kidney diseases, which require costly and often unaffordable dialysis,” Dr. Bawumia explained.
“Six months ago, we initiated a pilot program to include dialysis under the NHIS. Today, after six months of providing free dialysis for young and elderly patients, we are excited to expand this benefit to all kidney patients enrolled in the NHIS,” he stated.
Boosting access to lifesaving treatment
Dialysis treatments, essential for managing kidney disease, are prohibitively expensive for many patients.
The NHIS coverage aims to alleviate the financial burden, ensuring that patients can access critical care without added economic hardship.
Under the pilot, patients over 60 and those under 18 have been receiving up to eight free dialysis sessions per month since June 2024, a lifeline for many families.
With the full implementation in December, adults aged 19 to 59 will also receive coverage.
Those undergoing dialysis at selected facilities – including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Eastern Regional Hospital (ENRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) – were eligible for two free sessions per month.
Patients receiving treatment at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) received a 50% subsidy for two monthly sessions.
Financial support for health facilities
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has committed GH₵4.4 million towards this expanded dialysis coverage, comprising GH₵2 million from its Allocation Formula for 2024 and GH₵2.4 million from its Corporate Social Responsibility Budget.
Parliament approved the funding to enhance access to quality healthcare, particularly for patients requiring continuous dialysis.
Continuing efforts for accessible healthcare
The free dialysis initiative reflects Ghana’s broader commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and expanding NHIS benefits to address critical needs.
The NHIA has expressed appreciation to the government and Parliament for their support, noting that such initiatives are essential to achieving equitable access to healthcare nationwide.
