The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has announced that, starting December 1, 2024, forty health facilities across the country will offer free dialysis services to patients.

The NHIA recently added dialysis treatment to its benefits package, aiming to provide financial relief to Ghanaians who struggle with the high cost of dialysis.

Currently, dialysis costs between GHC300 and GHC1,000, and it is estimated that between 4 million and 5.2 million people in Ghana have some level of renal function impairment.

Dr. Aboagye confirmed that patients can access the dialysis services at 40 selected facilities, including both public and private hospitals.

On November 26, the NHIA will meet with facility managers to discuss how the service will be implemented effectively.

“We have currently listed about 40 of these centres that our patients would have to go to,” he said.

In a Monday interview on Joy News’ AM Show, Dr. Aboagye reassured the public that the programme is financially sustainable, as the NHIA has sufficient funds to cover the cost.

He further emphasized that regardless of any change in government, the free dialysis service will remain in place, as it is a constitutional part of the NHIA’s benefits package.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is running for president, has reiterated the government's commitment to offering free dialysis treatment, aligning with his earlier pledge that the NHIA programme will begin on December 1. This initiative, according to Dr. Bawumia, demonstrates the government's dedication to improving the health of Ghanaians dealing with renal diseases.

Earlier this year, a pilot scheme for free dialysis was launched for patients under 18 and over 60. In addition, John Mahama, the NDC’s candidate for re-election, has promised to establish modern dialysis centres in regions where they are currently unavailable, which would help decentralize treatment and increase access.

Currently, around 2,000 individuals in Ghana are undergoing dialysis, but many delay seeking medical treatment until their condition worsens, often turning to alternative methods first. This delay significantly impacts their health and life expectancy.