Mintah Akandoh doubts sustainability of NHIA’s plan to offer free dialysis for kidney patients under 18 and over 60
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, has expressed skepticism about the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) initiative to provide free dialysis sessions for kidney patients under 18 and over 60 years old.
From June 1 to December 2024, renal patients will receive eight free dialysis sessions per month. However, Mr. Akandoh believes the government should subsidize dialysis fees instead.
The NHIA also announced that kidney patients aged 19 to 59 will receive two free dialysis sessions per month.
In a media interview, Mr. Akandoh emphasized the need for a sustainable funding approach for dialysis sessions in the country.
Mr. Akandoh mentioned that patients deserve improved support, suggesting that the government could assist, perhaps through a funding model akin to vaccine procurement, combining National Health Insurance and government contributions.
He added that the initiative’s limited duration of six months, possibly due to the election cycle, raises concerns and the lack of engagement from the vice president on this matter is notable.
He stated that this action appears politically motivated, given the absence of a long-term strategy. Consequently, patients will return to the previous costs, now increased from GH¢380 to GH¢491.
