Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Aboagye Dacosta, has highlighted the prevalence of end-stage renal disease in Ghana's population using statistical research.He applies the ratio of 24 cases per million people to estimate the number of individuals with the condition within Ghana's 30 million population.

0

“Research has proven that out of every one million Ghanaians, 24 individuals suffer from end-stage renal disease. Using this data, it is simple to calculate that if 24 cases are recorded per million people, then a population of 30 million would yield approximately 1,250 individuals with the condition,” Dr. Dacosta explained to the media.The NHIA is preparing to roll out free dialysis treatment for renal patients starting December 1, 2024.

1

This initiative, announced last week by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will be available to all patients covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).Dr. Bawumia introduced the measure to ease the financial burden on families caused by the high cost of dialysis treatment.Detailing the financial implications of the rollout, Dr.

2

Dacosta revealed that the government will need between GHC20 million and GHC57 million annually to sustain the program.“Parliament has approved a fee of GHC490.00 for dialysis treatment in Ghana. Based on this, multiplying GHC490 by 400 patients and by the eight sessions required per month totals GHC1.5 million monthly.

3

When this is further multiplied by 12 months, the annual cost exceeds GHC18 million, which has been rounded up to GHC20 million.“If free dialysis begins in December and the number of patients doubles to 800, the yearly cost will rise to approximately GHC40 million. Should the number increase further to 1,200 patients, about GHC57 million will be required annually to sustain the treatments,” Dr. Dacosta explained.

4

Dialysis has become increasingly expensive, and this new policy is expected to significantly reduce the burden on families.From December 1, all registered kidney patients under the NHIS will receive free dialysis treatment.This policy aims to alleviate the financial strain on patients and their families, ensuring access to a life-saving procedure that many currently struggle to afford.

5