To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a special initiative under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
From June 1, 2024, through December 2024, Ghanaian citizens under the age of 18 and over 60 suffering from kidney diseases will receive eight free dialysis sessions each month.
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Acting CEO of NHIA, confirmed that the Ghanaian government and parliament have approved GH¢2,000,000.00 for this purpose, as outlined in the NHIA’s 2024 Allocation Formula.
This initiative aims to support financially challenged patients who need dialysis.
In addition, the NHIA has allocated GH¢2,400,000.00 from its Corporate Social Responsibility budget to further support this initiative.
“As part of NHIA’s 20th Anniversary, the NHIA has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000.00 under the Corporate Social Responsibility approved budget of the scheme to support this initiative through administrative arrangements,” the statement read.
The report indicated that the monthly cost for verified patients is estimated at GH¢329,952.
The total expenditure on the free dialysis is expected to be approximately GH¢2.3 million by December.
It was clarified that patients aged between 18 and 59 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital (excluding Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital), will receive a subsidy covering two dialysis sessions per month, totaling GH¢982.00, equivalent to GH¢491 per session.
“The cost of dialysis for this treatment category is projected to be GH¢144,354 per month and by the end of December 2024, the cumulative cost is estimated to be approximately GH¢1.01 million,” the statement added.
The statement concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to finding sustainable interventions for dealing with renal diseases and other illnesses not currently covered under the NHIS in a comprehensive manner, and plans to unveil a sustainable plan soon.
