The Renal Association of Ghana has commended the government for increasing the health insurance fund to cover renal disease treatment, including dialysis.
President of the group, Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, posited that the move was an amazing news that will significantly improve access to care and reduce the financial burden for patients and their families.
Speaking in Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated that treatment for renal disease is expensive, particularly the dialysis; hence, the decision by the government to build on what the previous government was commendable.
He was excited, saying, “The latest increase in the fund’s budget and the specific allocation for renal treatment were great news and will help patients with the condition reduce the financial strain of these costs, allowing them to focus on other related costs.”
Parliament has approved the government’s GH₵10.7 billion budgetary allocation to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as part of the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
According to the approved disbursement formula, GH₵2 million has been allocated to provide financial assistance to underprivileged patients—specifically those under 18 and above 60—suffering from kidney disease and undergoing dialysis treatment.
Reacting to this, Mr Baffour Ahenkorah stated that ‘’this is the news we had been waiting for. Dialysis is expensive, and several patients had died because they could not afford it. The previous administration introduced something, and this government has improved upon it. We will first thank God and also thank the government for this. What has happened will reduce our financial burden, as I stated earlier. Renal patients require three sessions per week, and this new development will provide relief. It will also lower the mortality rate for renal patients.”
He further drew a comparison to Oliver Twist, mentioning another pressing matter they are currently negotiating with authorities about, specifically the injections required to manage their anaemic condition, which cost approximately Ghc1,000 and above.
He added, ”Our medications, laboratory tests, and other medical expenses are expensive, but fortunately, the government has covered the most significant expense, which is the dialysis”.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
