Renal disease patients skeptical about sustainability of free dialysis programme

Renal disease patients are sceptical about the sustainability of the free dialysis programme initiated by the current administration.

Their concern is borne out of the uncertainty surrounding the funding source for the programme that started on December 1 under the current administration.

President of the renal patients’ kojo Balfour Ahenkorah tells us they are in the process of seeking an audience with the president-elect John Dramani Mahama to know the way forward. On December 1 government rolled out the free dialysis policy under the national health insurance scheme.
The decision followed a series of concerns on the cost of dialysis in the country, gaining both public and media attention months ago when issues of galamsey intensified.

It became topical on the campaigns of the two major political parties with the current government pushing through with its promise to make the dialysis service free from December 1, after the implementation of pilot plan in June this year.

CEO of the national health insurance scheme Dr. Aboagye Dacosta during the official launch of reassured Ghanaians of preparations to ensure the sustainability of the programme in years to come.

The NDC on the other hand in its manifesto also promised to establish a Cancer and Kidney Disease Trust Fund and to also remove taxes on essential medical supplies for dialysis.

So far the initiative started in December is in progress at the selected health facilities across the country.

President of the renal patients’ Kojo Baffour Ahenkorah says all has been smooth at the various facilities so far and they are grateful.

The fate of the initiative currently hangs in the balance until the incoming administration makes a decisive statement regarding its sustainability.

By Frederick Kunzote-Ani

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