Starting this month, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will cover the cost of dialysis treatments for patients, with the extent of coverage varying based on age groups.
Vulnerable groups, including those under 18 and over 60 years old, will receive free dialysis sessions, while those aged 18 to 59 will get partial coverage.
Under 18 and Over 60 Years: The NHIS will fully cover the cost of eight dialysis sessions per month for these age groups for an initial period of six months.
 18 to 59 Years: The NHIS will cover the cost of two dialysis sessions per month at a rate of GH¢491 per session at all government facilities, excluding the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
Special Arrangements at KBTH:
At KBTH, where a philanthropist already subsidizes GH¢380 per session, the NHIS will contribute GH¢245.50 for two sessions per month, covering 50% of the cost.
Cost Estimates:
The total estimated cost for supporting 84 verified patients under 18 and over 60 years is GH¢329,952 per month, amounting to GH¢2.3 million over six months.
For 147 verified patients aged 18 to 59, the monthly cost is GH¢144,354, totaling about GH¢1.01 million by the end of December.
For 300 patients aged 18 to 59 at KBTH, the monthly cost is estimated at GH¢147,300, with a cumulative cost of GH¢1.03 million by December.
Overall Financial Commitment:
The NHIS will absorb an estimated total cost of GH¢4.35 million over six months.
Other Covered Hospitals:
The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Teaching Hospital (TTH) are included in the coverage.
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Funding and Future Plans
The NHIA’s acting CEO, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, explained that this initiative is part of the NHIA’s corporate social responsibility and is intended as a stopgap measure while the government works on a permanent solution. Full actuarial studies support the scheme’s ability to cover these costs for six months.
The government has allocated GH¢2 million, supplemented by an additional GH¢2.4 million from the NHIA’s corporate social responsibility budget, totaling approximately GH¢4.4 million for this initiative. Dr. Aboagye emphasized the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for renal diseases and other uncovered illnesses under the NHIS.
Encouragement for Corporate Support
Dr. Aboagye called on more corporate entities to support renal dialysis patients, highlighting the NHIA’s efforts to provide immediate relief while working towards long-term solutions.
This initiative marks a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden of dialysis treatment for vulnerable groups in Ghana
Source Graphic Online.
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