The CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Aboagye Da-Costa, has announced that the government will be releasing GH¢2 million to assist in providing dialysis treatment for those in need.
This funding was approved by Parliament in March following an appeal by kidney patients for government intervention due to the increased cost of dialysis.
The cost of dialysis at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital recently rose from GH¢380 to GH¢491, a move that has been criticized as illegal by some members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health.
Dr Aboagye Da-Costa expressed optimism that the disbursement of funds will bring relief to those in need of dialysis treatment. He mentioned that the funds approved by Parliament were specifically earmarked for needy patients and will benefit hospitals such as Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, and the Cape Coast hospital.
In addition to the GH¢2 million for dialysis treatment, Parliament had approved GH¢6.87 billion for the National Health Insurance Authority to pay health insurance claims and support its activities for the year. The approved distribution formula for the funds includes emergency assistance for dialysis patients for the first time.
Dr. DaCosta also shared that a committee had been tasked with evaluating the cost impact of dialysis on the claims budget and sustainability mechanisms. .
