By Gloria Amoh
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has announced a six-month free dialysis support program for renal patients, running from June to December 2024.
According to a statement from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) released on June 1, the program beneficiaries are divided into two categories: vulnerable groups (patients under 18 and over 60 years) and those aged 18 to 59 years.
The scheme states that patients under 18 and over 60 will receive eight free dialysis sessions per month, with a total cost estimated at approximately GH₵2.3 million.
Additionally, patients from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (EFRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital will receive two dialysis sessions per month, costing GH₵982.00 (GH₵491 per session).
For the 18 to 59 age group, the monthly dialysis cost is projected at GH₵144,354, with a cumulative cost of around GH₵1.01 million by the end of December 2024.
Although renal patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) are not included in the above categories, they will receive a subsidy for two dialysis sessions per month at GH₵491 per session, due to a philanthropic contribution of GH₵380.00 for each patient.
The NHIA noted that this initiative will cost GH₵4.4 million, emphasizing the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for renal diseases and other conditions not currently covered by the scheme.
