needed to be consulted before government announced free renal treatment
A member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has criticized the government for not coordinating with health facilities before announcing free dialysis treatment for renal patients.
Her comments came after patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reported that they still pay for dialysis because the hospital hasn’t received official communication to cease charging.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on June 7, Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that engaging with health facility management beforehand could have prevented these issues.
To ensure the continuous and prompt funding for hospitals providing free renal treatment, Ofosu-Adjare mentioned that the committee is working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department and other stakeholders.
She also proposed that the COVID-19 fund be redirected towards healthcare delivery instead of supporting government budgets.
“You see dialysis is a life support procedure and we all know that it is difficult for people to pay. I know there are patients who get help from family, once the announcement is made people will be reluctant to help them. So, I am also of the opinion that the preparation should have been adequate. There should have been a discussion with the health facilities as the modalities for the procedure to be done free of charge,” she said.
“…We are still taking the Covid Fund. It should be directed at our health and not to support government budget because this fund is for health …
“I am of the opinion that government should be looking at funding the National Health Insurance Authority and so we should look at funding so that these people can be catered for,” she said.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) launched a six-month free dialysis support program for renal patients from June to December 2024. According to a statement from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) dated June 1, the program will benefit two categories of patients: vulnerable groups (those below 18 and above 60) and individuals aged 18 to 59.