The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced its readiness to roll out the much-anticipated Free Dialysis policy across 40 selected health facilities starting December 1.
Speaking at a joint press briefing on November 26, NHIA CEO Dr. Dacosta-Aboagye confirmed the finalization of preparations following engagements with facility heads.
The initiative, projected to cost the government between GHC20 million and GHC57 million annually, aims to alleviate the financial burden on renal disease patients nationwide.
Dr. Dacosta-Aboagye disclosed that the initial phase would be supported by the acquisition of new dialysis machines to ease pressure on existing ones.
“Seven machines have already been cleared, and 23 more are awaiting clearance at the ports,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of improved infrastructure to support the growing number of renal patients.
Currently, approximately two thousand patients rely on dialysis services, with costs ranging from GHC300 to GHC1,000 per session, requiring at least four sessions weekly.
This policy is expected to provide critical financial relief to millions of Ghanaians suffering from renal conditions.
The Acting CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, expressed confidence in their readiness to implement the policy.
“We are prepared for the anticipated surge in patient numbers.
Rental units have been equipped, and consumables are being secured,” he assured.
The NHIA also announced that health facilities would adopt electronic claims processing to ensure timely payments, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing renal care accessibility and affordability.
