The government has announced that dialysis support will be included for needy patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This marks a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden on individuals suffering from kidney diseases. The initiative comes after the release of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis, out of a total allocation of 2 million Ghana Cedis for 2024, to pilot this program. It aims to assist patients undergoing dialysis treatment who cannot afford the high cost of care.
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced in Parliament that Members of Parliament (MPs) had approved a budget allocation of 10 billion Ghana Cedis for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to implement its 2025 Distribution Formula on Friday, May 30. He stated, “We have included dialysis in the benefit package of the National Health Insurance Scheme, similar to coverage for malaria and other diseases. Our policy direction is to provide funding for dialysis treatment in this country.”
The Minister also stated that the 10 billion Ghana Cedi allocation will also fund the government’s Free Primary Health Care policy. This policy is designed to allow all citizens to access basic healthcare services at no cost. “So, a Ghanaian is sick and he or she goes to the CHPS compound or the health center, the policy is that he must be treated free of charge. As a result of the withdrawal of support from our donor partners, there has been a huge funding gap in the health sector due to the withdrawal of our partners, like the USAID.
“Therefore, that revenue will go to fill the gap. A certain percentage will be taken from the NHIS fund to support the Mahama Cares.”
