The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that all kidney dialysis treatments under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will receive free sessions effective December 1, 2024.

The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with dialysis treatment, which is essential yet often costly for many Ghanaians affected by kidney disease.

Dr. Bawumia made the announcement while addressing supporters in the Old Tafo constituency, where he explained that this decision follows a successful six-month pilot program that provided free dialysis treatment for individuals aged 60 and above as well as for those under 18.

“Many people suffer from kidney diseases, requiring dialysis, which can be costly and unaffordable for many. Six months ago, we initiated a pilot programme to include dialysis under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). For the past six months, individuals over 60 and those under 18 have been receiving free dialysis.

The successful pilot, according to Dr. Bawumia, demonstrated the program's feasibility and underscored the need to extend coverage to all dialysis patients, regardless of age.

“However, we are now concluding this pilot programme. Starting December 1 of this year, all kidney dialysis patients will be covered for free under the NHIS,” he stated.

With this announcement, the NPP hopes to address a long-standing gap in Ghana’s healthcare system, where the cost of chronic treatments like dialysis has often been prohibitively expensive.

The new initiative is expected to benefit thousands of Ghanaians who rely on regular dialysis for survival and will mark a significant expansion in NHIS coverage.