The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has praised the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for launching a six-month free dialysis program. President Kojo Baffour Ahenkorah expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as “laudable.” He emphasized the positive impact it will have on vulnerable groups such as children aged zero to 18 and individuals over 60 years old.
Although the program is estimated to cost GH₵2 million, Baffour Ahenkorah emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to support renal patients beyond the initial six-month period. The NHIA recently announced the launch of the free dialysis support program, which will offer eight complimentary sessions per month to at-risk populations, including individuals under 18 and those over 60.
Patients between 18 and 59 will also benefit from two free dialysis sessions monthly at designated hospitals. The total estimated cost of the initiative is GH₵4.4 million. Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa, CEO of the NHIA, explained that the program is being implemented on compassionate grounds in honor of the NHIA’s 20th anniversary.
He expressed confidence in the government’s ability to develop a sustainable funding mechanism for chronic disease treatment by the end of the support period. Dr. Da-Costa reassured the public that the government is exploring avenues to finance the treatment of chronic diseases in the long term.
