The Ghanaian government has announced that dialysis coverage will be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden on those with kidney disease condition. This long-awaited development promises substantial relief for vulnerable individuals struggling to afford the high cost of life-sustaining dialysis treatment.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, confirmed the policy adjustment in Parliament within the week. He made dialysis an official part of the NHIS coverage package, alongside treatments for illnesses such as malaria. “The policy direction is that we are going to fund the dialysis issues in this country,” Minister Akandoh stated emphatically.
This crucial expansion follows the recent release of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis, drawn from a dedicated 2 million Ghana Cedis allocation set aside in 2024 to pilot support for patients unable to afford dialysis. The Minister’s announcement came shortly after Parliament approved a substantial 10 billion Ghana Cedi allocation for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to implement its 2025 Distribution Formula.
The massive 10 billion Ghana Cedi injection is earmarked for more than just dialysis. Minister Akandoh clarified that these funds will also underpin the government’s Free Primary Health Care policy. This initiative guarantees all citizens access to essential healthcare services at no cost when visiting Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds or health centers.
“The policy is that [a sick Ghanaian] must be treated free of charge,” the Minister emphasized. He highlighted that the NHIS funding is vital to address a “huge funding gap” within the health sector, partly caused by the withdrawal of support from international donor partners, including USAID. A percentage of the NHIS cash will be designated to support the “Mahama Cares” campaign.
The incorporation of dialysis in the NHIS signifies a crucial step towards boosting healthcare accessibility and financial protection for Ghanaians suffering from chronic kidney disease, showing the government’s commitment to covering essential treatments domestically.
Source: citinewsroom.
