The Renal Association of Ghana has clarified that there was nothing like free dialysis initiative.
President of the group, Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah who disclosed said what was rolled out for specifically for only renal patients who were registered onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He was speaking about the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund initiative, which he stated was a good thing that will help individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases have access to healthcare.
Mr Ahenkorah explained that the Medical Trust Fund would help them overcome some of the challenges they were facing.
When asked about the current state of the previous government’s ‘free dialysis’ initiative, he replied, ”Let me make this correction: there was nothing like free dialysis; the dialysis initiative was sponsored by the National Health Insurance Scheme. So there’s nothing like free dialysis. If you are not registered with the NHIS, you will not be eligible for benefits. To receive benefits, you must be an active member and renew your card. The new government has not cancelled it. It’s still in progress”.
He commended the new government for retaining it and introducing the new policy, but like Oliver Twist, he said renal patients would need other components.
He revealed that, in addition to dialysis, patients would have to go through medications and other procedures, all of which would cost money.
Mr Ahenkorah proposed to the government to expand dialysis facilities at least in all district hospitals so patients would not have to travel from far to access dialysis in Accra and other areas with such facilities.
Meanwhile, he revealed that they were not consulted or invited to make any suggestions prior to the fund’s launch, but was quick to add that ‘we are prepared to engage with the government on how the fund can be improved. We are prepared to meet with the health minister, and as someone who welcomes suggestions, we will be happy to meet with him and share ideas on how to make the fund more effective and functional.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
