Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, has raised doubts about the long-term viability of the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) initiative to offer free dialysis sessions for kidney patients under 18 and over 60 years old.
Starting from June 1 until December 2024, renal patients will benefit from eight free dialysis sessions per month, while those aged between 19 and 59 will receive two free sessions monthly.
However, Mr. Akandoh argues that instead of providing free sessions, the government should subsidize the fees charged for dialysis.
In a media interview, Mr. Mintah Akandoh emphasized the necessity of developing a sustainable funding model for dialysis sessions in the country.
He expressed concern that the current approach, which appears to be driven by political motives, lacks a long-term plan beyond the upcoming election period.
He highlighted that the government’s involvement in funding dialysis sessions should be consistent and not merely a temporary measure tied to electoral cycles.
Additionally, he pointed out that the cost of dialysis has risen from GH¢380 to GH¢491, further underscoring the need for a sustainable solution beyond short-term subsidies.
