Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Renal Unit Suspends Operations

- Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital's Renal Unit shut down for 2 weeks.
- Closure results in 3 kidney patient deaths.
- Patients face financial strain seeking private treatment.
- NHIA's free dialysis promise unfulfilled.
The Renal Unit at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has been shut down for almost two weeks, leaving patients and staff in a state of uncertainty. Despite the prolonged closure, no official explanation has been provided by the hospital administration, sparking concerns among patients and their families.
According to Baffour Ahenkorah, President of the Kidney Patients Association, the closure of the renal unit has resulted in the tragic loss of three kidney patients. The renal unit, which is typically bustling with patients arriving for dialysis, is now almost deserted, with only a few staff members seen nearby.

Upon entering the facility, it was observed that many of the machines were not functioning, and the usual beeping sounds were absent, creating an eerie atmosphere. A similar incident occurred in June 2024 due to maintenance, but this time, the exact reason for the closure remains unconfirmed, leaving patients and staff in the dark.

The shutdown of the Renal Unit has led to significant financial strain for outpatients, many of whom have been forced to seek treatment at private facilities, which come with steep costs. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had promised to provide eight free dialysis sessions per month to kidney patients under the age of 18 and over the age of 60, starting from June 1, 2024, and ending December 2024.

However, this promise has yet to be fulfilled at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, leaving patients aged 19 to 59 to receive only two free sessions per month, further exacerbating their financial struggles. The prolonged closure of the Renal Unit has raised concerns about the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for kidney patients in Ghana, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the situation.