Renal patients are still paying GH¢491 for dialysis treatment at Korle-Bu

Renal patients across Ghana are conflicted following the government's announcement of a series of interventions for their dialysis treatment.

During GhanaWeb's visit to the Renal Unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, some renal patients expressed skepticism despite being happy with the government's initiative to subsidize their treatment.

All the patients interviewed by GhanaWeb stated that they are still required to pay GH¢491 per session for dialysis treatment, despite the government's announcement.

One patient, a 59-year-old woman, shared that she excitedly went to the Renal Unit for her session only to find out she still had to pay the GH¢491 fee per session.

She mentioned that she had to use all her available money and had no funds left for transportation back home.

Deborah Nortey, the Vice President of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, Korle-Bu branch, who was present during GhanaWeb's visit, expressed gratitude to the government but also voiced concerns about the delay in implementing the interventions.

She highlighted that many members still struggle to come up with the GH¢491 required for a session of dialysis treatment, with some even having to return home due to lack of funds.

Nortey urged the government to ensure that all renal patients in the country have access to free dialysis treatment, as many are unable to work due to their conditions and the treatment's high cost.

While appreciative of the government's efforts, Nortey emphasized the need for further assistance, especially for those who do not qualify for free dialysis under the current scheme.

Other patients echoed similar sentiments, with some suggesting that dialysis treatment be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

A source at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital informed GhanaWeb that the interventions have not yet been implemented due to a lack of directives.

Less than a month ago, GhanaWeb reported on the distress experienced by renal patients following an increase in dialysis treatment costs.

After public outcry, the government announced interventions, including free dialysis sessions for certain age groups and subsidised treatment for others.

Watch videos from GhanaWeb’s visit to Korle-Bu below:

BAI/OGB

Meanwhile, catch up on the latest edition of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV as Etsey Atisu sat down with the MP for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, to discuss issues surrounding the E-Levy, the Saglemi Housing Controversy, and the OSP Impeachment:

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.