Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), revealed on Friday that an additional GH¢1,001,329.00 has been disbursed under the government’s free dialysis programme.
This funding covers dialysis services provided at six healthcare facilities for July and August, and includes an advance payment for September.
The six facilities benefiting from this allocation are Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
With this latest payment, the total amount allocated to the free dialysis programme since its launch in June has reached GH¢1,588,565.00.
Breakdown of Payments:
| Facility Name | July (GH¢) | August (GH¢) | September (GH¢) | Total (GH¢) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital | 79,051.00 | 79,051.00 | 84,051.00 | 163,102.00 |
| Tamale Teaching Hospital | 28,478.00 | 28,478.00 | 28,478.00 | 56,956.00 |
| Cape Coast Teaching Hospital | 41,753.00 | 41,753.00 | 41,753.00 | 83,470.00 |
| Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital | 90,835.00 | 90,835.00 | 90,835.00 | 186,670.00 |
| Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital | 16,694.00 | 16,694.00 | 16,694.00 | 33,388.00 |
| Volta Regional Hospital (Ho Teaching Hospital) | 73,650.00 | 73,650.00 | 73,650.00 | 147,300.00 |
| Grand Total: | 1,001,329.00 | 1,001,329.00 |
The CEO emphasized that this latest payment ensures that the facilities are well-funded for the dialysis services rendered in July and August, and includes an advance for September. The hospitals will manage these funds and ensure that any patients who paid out-of-pocket during these months will be reimbursed accordingly.
Dr. Aboagye highlighted that since the programme’s inception in June, the NHIA’s financial support has significantly improved access to dialysis for patients. By covering the costs of these essential treatments, the NHIA aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure continuous care.
The NHIA continues to offer full support for patients aged 18 and below, and those 60 and above, who receive up to eight free dialysis sessions per month. Patients aged 19 to 59 years at specified hospitals receive two free sessions per month, with those at KBTH receiving a 50% subsidy for two sessions.
The NHIA expresses gratitude for the ongoing support from the Government and Parliament as it strives to provide accessible, quality healthcare for all. This funding underlines the NHIA’s commitment to ensuring that crucial medical services remain available without imposing financial strain on patients.
The NHIA introduced Free Dialysis Coverage for vulnerable patients, with Parliament’s approval as part of the 2024 Allocation Formula.
Initiated in June, the programme is supported by a GHS4.4 million budget, including GHS2 million from the Allocation Formula and GHS2.4 million from the NHIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Budget for this fiscal year.
