- Government's Free Dialysis Policy Receives Praise from Kidney Patients
- Policy Relieves Financial Burden on Patients and Families
- Islamic Hospital Treats 30 Patients Daily Under Free Policy
Kidney patients across the country are breathing a sigh of relief thanks to the government’s newly implemented free dialysis policy for all ages. The policy, which kicked in on December 1, 2024, has been a game-changer for patients who were struggling to afford the costly treatment.
Some patients, like 24-year-old Maxwell, have already begun to benefit from the policy. Maxwell, who previously received treatment at the 37 Military Hospital, is now undergoing dialysis at the Islamic Hospital in Newtown. “I used to go to the 37 Military Hospital, but now I can get treated here,” he told Adom News.
Another patient, aged 46, expressed his gratitude for the policy, stating that he would have only been able to afford one dialysis session per week without it. The patients’ appreciation was palpable when journalists visited the Islamic Hospital, one of 20 facilities rolling out the free policy.
The General Manager of the Islamic Dialysis Hospital, Ramatu Issah, echoed the patients’ sentiments, saying that the free dialysis policy has brought significant relief to both patients and facilities. “The free dialysis has really brought a lot of relief to both patients and facilities,” she noted.
Prior to the policy, the hospital charged GHS500 per session, with patients requiring at least two sessions per week. This put an enormous burden on patients and their families, with some even having to sell their properties or rely on family and friends to cover the costs. However, with the free dialysis policy in place, that burden has been lifted.
The Islamic Hospital, which currently has 10 dialysis machines and an isolation center, is capable of treating 30 patients daily. According to Madam Issah, the hospital plans to add more dialysis machines to cater to patients within its catchment area.
The government’s free dialysis policy is part of its efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for citizens. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has already paid out over GH¢1.5 million since June under the free dialysis program.
