The Renal Association of Ghana has proposed some key considerations for the government to consider in making the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund more efficient and beneficial to patients with kidney-related problems.
President of the group, Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, described the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a bold initiative that will help individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases have access to healthcare.
But was quick to add that there was the need for authorities to change them to propose some reforms that will be beneficial for those the fund was designed for.
Mr Ahenkorah explained that the Medical Trust Fund would help them overcome some of the challenges they were facing.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated 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.
According to him, although they were not engaged prior to the launch of the fund, ‘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.”
He also proposed the training of more specialists for renal patients.
“The specialised persons who manage or treat renal patients are not enough. They are mainly in the regional capitals and major hospitals, and so there is always pressure on the facilities where the specialists operate. So we are proposing to the government to extend dialysis centres to all the district hospitals across the country. This will ease the pressure and prevent patients from travelling long distances to access healthcare.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
