A recent report by Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Research Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has brought to light concerns about the budget allocation for the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) six-month free dialysis treatment initiative.
The NHIS had announced plans to provide free dialysis treatment for patients below 18 years and above 60 years, with subsidies for individuals aged 19 to 59. The budget for this initiative totaled 4.4 million cedis, with 2 million cedis approved by parliament and an additional 2.4 million cedis from the NHIA\’s internally generated funds.
However, Dr. Asiedu’s analysis revealed that a minimum of 7 million cedis is required to effectively implement the service for the stipulated six months. He noted discrepancies in the patient numbers and treatment sessions provided in the scheme’s documents, highlighting a shortfall of approximately 5.5 million cedis.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NHIA, Oswald Mensah, clarified that the NHIS would cover 50% of the cost for two dialysis sessions for patients at Korle Bu, amounting to one million cedis. Currently, there are 531 patients receiving dialysis treatment nationwide.
In response to these revelations, Member of Parliament for Juaboso Constituency, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasized the need for a clear plan from the government on how the payment for dialysis treatment will be continued. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the health of the people and urged the government to take action.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, confirmed that the Health Committee of Parliament is addressing the matter and expressed confidence in their ability to resolve the funding shortfall.
The dialogue surrounding the NHIS’s free dialysis treatment initiative continues, with stakeholders grappling with the financial implications and seeking sustainable solutions to ensure that patients in need of dialysis treatment receive the care they deserve.
