Beginning June 1, 2024, until December 2024, individuals aged under 18 and over 60 years old suffering from kidney diseases will qualify for eight free dialysis sessions monthly under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced this initiative as part of the scheme’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, Acting CEO of NHIA, confirmed in a statement that this program is a highlight of the anniversary activities.
A government allocation of GH¢2,000,000.00, endorsed by parliament according to the NHIA’s 2024 Allocation Formula, aims to aid financially challenged and vulnerable patients requiring dialysis treatments.
Furthermore, NHIA has earmarked an additional GH¢2,400,000.00 from its Corporate Social Responsibility budget to support this health initiative.
“As part of NHIA’s 20th Anniversary, the NHIA, through administrative arrangements has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000.00, under the Corporate Social Responsibility approved budget of the scheme to support this initiative,” the statement said.
Monthly costs for patients in the specified age groups currently undergoing dialysis are projected at GH¢329,952, with a total estimated expenditure by December 2024 reaching approximately GH¢2.3 million.
Patients aged 18 to 59 at certain hospitals will receive a subsidy covering two dialysis sessions per month, excluding Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), where patients will receive support for two sessions each month.
The subsidy will amount to GH¢982.00 monthly, with 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,” it added.
For KBTH patients, the cost per session will be GH¢245.50, half of the standard GH¢491.00. This reduction is enabled by a philanthropic contribution of GH¢380.00 per patient.
Monthly dialysis costs for KBTH patients are expected to be GH¢147,300, reaching approximately GH¢1.03 million by December 2024.
The government is committed to implementing sustainable solutions for renal diseases and other uncovered illnesses, promising to unveil a comprehensive plan soon, the statement concluded.
“The Government is committed to finding sustainable interventions to dealing with renal diseases and other illnesses not currently covered under the NHIS in a holistic manner, and will soon unveil a sustainable plan,” the statement concluded.