The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that its payments towards the government’s free dialysis programme have reached GH¢1.5 million (GH¢1,588,565) as of September 2024.
These payments cover the cost of treatment from June to September 2024, reflecting the NHIA’s ongoing commitment to improving access to essential medical services.
The two disbursements
The first payment of GH¢587,236 was made in June, while the second tranche of GH¢1 million (GH¢1,001,329) was disbursed to cover services for July, August, and an advance payment for September.
A release signed by Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye Ag. Chief Executive of NHIA said these funds were allocated to six health facilities providing dialysis services across the country.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital – GH¢416,859
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in the Greater Accra Region received GH¢416,859, which includes payments for June (GH¢179,706), July (GH¢79,051), August (GH¢79,051), and September (GH¢79,051).
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital-368,741
The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in the Ashanti Region was allocated GH¢368,741, covering June (GH¢96,236), July (GH¢90,835), August (GH¢90,835), and September (GH¢90,835).
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital- GH¢202,837
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) in the Central Region received GH¢202,837 for June (GH¢77,578), July (GH¢41,753), August (GH¢41,753), and September (GH¢41,753).
Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital- GH¢142,390
The Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH) in the Western Region was allocated GH¢142,390, with payments for June (GH¢92,308), July (GH¢16,694), August (GH¢16,694), and September (GH¢16,694).
Ho Teaching Hospital- GH¢304,420
The Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) in the Volta Region received GH¢304,420, covering June (GH¢83,470), July (GH¢73,650), August (GH¢73,650), and September (GH¢73,650).
Tamale Teaching Hospital- GH¢143,372
The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in the Northern Region was allocated GH¢143,372, with payments for June (GH¢57,938), July (GH¢28,478), August (GH¢28,478), and September (GH¢28,478).
With this latest disbursement, the total amount allocated to the free dialysis programme since its inception in June now stands at GH¢1,588,565.
The NHIA has instructed the hospitals to manage the funds and ensure that all patients who may have paid out-of-pocket during July and August are fully reimbursed.
Since the programme’s inception, the NHIA’s financial support has significantly enhanced the accessibility of dialysis services for patients.
By covering the costs associated with these treatments, the NHIA aims to reduce the financial strain on patients and ensure continuity of care.
Patients aged 18 and below, as well as those aged 60 and above, are eligible to receive eight free dialysis sessions per month under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from June onwards.
Adults aged 19 to 59 receiving treatment at KATH, CCTH, ENRH, HTH, and TTH will receive two free dialysis sessions per month, while those at KBTH will receive a 50% subsidy for two sessions per month.
The NHIA expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Government and Parliament as it works towards providing access to quality healthcare for all.
This comprehensive funding reflects the NHIA’s commitment to supporting patients in need of dialysis, ensuring that essential medical services remain accessible without financial burden.
The introduction of free dialysis coverage for vulnerable patient categories was approved by Parliament within the NHIA’s Allocation Formula for 2024 and initiated in June.
Under this arrangement, selected healthcare providers are to receive payments totaling GH¢4.4 million, comprising GH¢2 million from the Allocation Formula and GH¢2.4 million from the NHIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Budget for this fiscal year.
