The management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has expressed grave concern over the urgent shortage of dialysis machines, which has made it increasingly difficult to meet the rising demand for kidney treatment at the facility.
This issue has intensified following a recent government policy that significantly increased the number of patients requiring dialysis.
KATH, based in Kumasi, is well-known for its extensive medical services, serving a vast population across the country and acting as a referral center for over 12 regions.
As one of the limited facilities equipped to handle complex medical issues like kidney failure, KATH has always seen high demand for dialysis treatments.
However, this demand has surged recently, driven by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) initiative to subsidize dialysis sessions for renal patients.
During a press briefing, the CEO of KATH, underscored the growing challenge posed by this surge in demand.
He acknowledged the hospital’s commitment to enhancing dialysis services but stressed that current resources are inadequate to keep up with the increasing patient load.
Professor Addai-Mensah revealed that the hospital is actively working to acquire more dialysis machines to address the growing need.
He further highlighted that KATH requires a total of 25 dialysis machines to fully equip its refurbished dialysis center.
“The hospital is making arrangements to buy six new dialysis machines, also from internally generated funds, our own funds, to buy these anesthesia machines. The challenge, however, is that we have also refurbished the dialysis center. The place is empty and we need a maximum of about 25 dialysis machines to complement it.
“Now the need for more dialysis machines has become dire. And it so because of a very good policy that has been rolled out by the government, people within a certain age bracket are enjoying free sessions and so on.”