NHIS trends after Bawumia’s announcement of free dialysis for kidney patients

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's recent announcement that dialysis treatment will be covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) beginning December 1, 2024, has sparked a strong reaction among Ghanaian netizens on X.

While some have praised the New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate for the initiative, others argue that it’s a political move intended to sway voters just weeks ahead of the election.

As a result, the NHIS was the top trending topic on X on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Other topics trending alongside NHIS include Nana Aba Anamoah, #PrayforGhana, Afenyo-Markin, Free SHS, Black Stars, and Supreme Court.

Here is a breakdown of why these topics are trending:

Nana Aba Anamoah

The well-known media personality expressed support for the initiative, applauding the decision to provide free dialysis treatment for kidney patients.

#PrayforGhana

A national, non-denominational youth prayer event is set for November 15, 2024, where participants will gather to pray for the country as it approaches the upcoming elections.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a ruling on the vacant seats controversy in Parliament today.

Black Stars

Eight players have withdrawn from Ghana's squad due to injuries ahead of their AFCON qualifying matches against Angola and Niger.

Here are some tweets under the trending topics below:

I’m beyond excited that from December 1, dialysis treatment in Ghana will be free under NHIS!

Gosh! This is a huge relief for patients who’ve struggled with costs for so long.

Thank you! Thank you @MBawumia for making this essential care accessible to all. pic.twitter.com/5epyxSRdbj

— nana aba (@thenanaaba) November 11, 2024

2020 during Covid and Before the Election, Nana Addo gave us free water. A couple of months into 2021 he made us pay for the water he gave us for free.

2024 Bawumia has activated Free Dialysis for people with NHIS. I fear for those who will benefit and think it’s free

— Kay💧 (@Kaypoisson1) November 12, 2024

I'm curious how this free Dialysis thing is going to be funded.

The NHIS is always having problems with funds reaching the right places.

The dialysis centres are always complaining of funding so I'm wondering how all of this would work.

— We the Unwilling (@Amegaxi) November 12, 2024

The whole NHIS needs to be worked on. I don't think the government releases all the funds which are supposed to be released to the scheme.

Gone were the days when NHIS properly worked.

— Bra Marfo 🏇🇬🇭 (@bramarfo_) November 12, 2024

It’s good news but I'm part of the handful 😴

My concern spans from the NHIS and FSHS precedents 🫣

Nhis was expanded nationwide by a government same election period without providing sustainable funding... We all knew what happened..

Same for FSHS…

Quality and sustainability oo https://t.co/xGaaySogHC

— 🗣Truth #8 (@bryte_bell) November 12, 2024

I kwa remember the NHIS announcing a 6 month free dialysis treatment in some selected facilities in July I think. Dunno what happened to that and now he's promising free dialysis starting December 1st?

— Kwame Kwabuah (@kwabee_) November 12, 2024

I’m actually excited they are including Dialysis in the NHIS. My only worry is backlog payments that will be owed the hospitals which may force them to shut down the facilities from time to time.

But it really really a good thing. Kudos to the Gov’t

— Benjamin Kesse (@Nana_kesse1) November 12, 2024

I always say Ghana can be a better place in less than a year. Kuffour established the NHIS, after how many years? look at the number of Patients who have died in the past all because they can afford to pay for the treatment 😭😭😭😭, our leaders are just wicked https://t.co/v3nKrPbK8f

— Mr Nartey 🥸 (@limerickgh) November 12, 2024

I hate people that will cut their own nose to spite their face.

They can be looking at danger and still act oblivious to it just to get back at people they hate.

She knows the agenda she's pushing is wrong but because it refreshes her ego she wouldn't care.

That's Nana Aba.

— K. Baffour® (@LouieXiii131) November 12, 2024