In a bid to enhance healthcare accessibility and address the growing burden of renal diseases in the country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Ghana to include renal dialysis treatment in its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The proposal aims to ensure that all Ghanaians have equal access to life-saving renal dialysis services, regardless of their financial capacity.
The W.H.O’s recommendation comes as a move that aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with dialysis for patients following the recent outcry over escalated dialysis fees at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ghana’s NHIS provides a wide range of essential healthcare services to its citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. However, renal dialysis has not been included in the scheme, making it inaccessible for a significant portion of the population.
At a media event held in the capital, Accra, WHO Country Director Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo underscored the importance of a thorough reassessment of NHIS operations.
He emphasised that extending coverage to include renal treatment services would significantly ease the financial strain experienced by patients.
“If our health insurance is comprehensive and covers renal treatment services, it can alleviate the costs associated with it,” he said.
“This would reduce the increasing out-of-pocket expenses we are witnessing, especially concerning dialysis costs.”
Renal dialysis is a crucial medical procedure that helps individuals with kidney failure by filtering waste products and excess fluids from their blood. It serves as a lifeline for thousands of Ghanaians suffering from chronic kidney diseases, which have witnessed a significant rise in recent years.
The high cost of treatment has posed a significant barrier for many Ghanaians, leading to a disproportionate number of individuals unable to afford these life-sustaining procedures.
Dr. Kasolo, including renal dialysis to the scheme could potentially reduce the financial burden on patients and offer a viable solution to the rising out-of-pocket expenditures tied to dialysis costs.
The W.H.O director believes that including renal dialysis treatment in the NHIS will not only save lives but also prove to be cost-effective in the long run. By providing comprehensive coverage for renal dialysis, the burden on families and individuals struggling to afford these treatments will be significantly reduced.
