By: Gloria Amoh
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has acquired 30 additional dialysis machines for Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. These machines, equipped with consumables for a year, will be installed at the new Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence by the end of the year.
The Head of the Public Relations Office at the hospital, Mustapha Salifu revealed in an interview with the Daily Graphic that the machines were procured through the efforts of Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye. The new machines aim to enhance the hospital’s service delivery and cost efficiency while mitigating future shortages.
Unlike the current machines, which require ordering consumables from manufacturers, the new machines can use consumables sourced from the open market at competitive prices.
Salifu addressed the recent shutdown of the hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit due to a consumables shortage. The hospital has now secured a significant amount of essential supplies, which are being processed for delivery at Tema Port. Consequently, the unit will resume outpatient dialysis by tomorrow. Dialysis for inpatients recommenced yesterday, with five patients receiving treatment by 2 p.m.
“The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Ghana Supply Company are expediting clearance on an emergency basis to ensure continuous high-quality care. We expect the outpatient section to be fully operational by Wednesday,” Salifu said.
The shutdown was caused by delays in clearing consumables from the port due to procedural and documentation issues. During this period, some patients were referred to the National Cardiothoracic Centre to minimize disruption.
Salifu apologized for any inconvenience caused and thanked the Health Minister, Ministry of Finance, and GRA for their support.
Reacting to the reopening, Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patient Association of Ghana, welcomed the news.
He highlighted the high costs of private dialysis facilities, which range from GH¢600 to GH¢1,000 per session, compared to Korle Bu’s rate of GH¢491.
Ahenkorah praised Korle Bu for its affordable and high-quality treatment and urged the hospital to find a lasting solution to the consumables shortage, emphasizing the critical need for continuous dialysis.
