Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the government to swiftly eliminate import charges and taxes imposed on medication and equipment used in dialysis treatment in the country.
This comes as a response to the recent more than 100 percent increase in the cost of dialysis treatment at the Renal Dialysis Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Speaking at an event commemorating the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged, Mr. Mahama criticized the government’s decision to burden patients with steep treatment costs during the ongoing economic crisis, deeming it insensitive.
Mr. Mahama also pledged that if elected in 2024, his administration would provide relief to patients suffering from various illnesses.
He expressed concern over the recent announcement by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital about a 100 percent increase in charges for dialysis treatment, citing higher taxes and duties on dialysis materials as the main reason behind the price hike.
As an immediate measure, he called on the government to exempt medication and dialysis equipment from taxes and duties to ensure the affordability of this critical treatment for patients whose lives depend on it.
