The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has revealed plans to extend its free dialysis programme, aiming to improve access to essential treatment for renal patients throughout Ghana.
As part of this initiative, the NHIA will acquire more dialysis machines and essential supplies to equip healthcare facilities across the country.
This expansion aligns with the government’s overarching objective of enhancing access to vital healthcare services.
Dr. Victor Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, stated that the goal is to bring more kidney patients under the coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He noted, “The previous government started the free dialysis, and there are 20 centres where the service is offered free of charge. What is needed is to expand it to make it more sustained in terms of funding.”
Dr. Bampoe further explained, “So that instead of the exercise depending on some funds, it will become like any other disease under the NHIS.”
This development is expected to relieve the financial pressure on patients and their families, many of whom face significant challenges due to the high cost of dialysis treatment in the country.