The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that 20 hospitals nationwide will begin offering free dialysis treatment on December 1.
This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden of kidney patients across Ghana.
Among the designated hospitals are: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, Ridge Regional Hospital, Ghana Police Hospital, all in the Greater Accra Region.
The rest are Trust Hospital Premium Centre, International Maritime Hospital, and Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd.
In the Ashanti Region, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and FirstCare Hospital will spearhead the programme while Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and Takoradi Hospital takes charge in the Western Region.
Ho Teaching Hospital and Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe will host patients in the Volta Region.
The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and the Eastern Regional Hospital will serve patients in the Central and Eastern regions, respectively.
The Tamale Teaching Hospital, Regional Hospitals in Bolgatanga and Wa will serve the five Northern Regions.
In the Bono Region, the Holy Family Hospital has been listed for the roll out.
The development follows Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent announcement that kidney patients registered under the NHIS will receive free dialysis treatment starting December 2024.
The initiative builds on a pilot program that provided free treatment for patients aged below 18 and above 60 years earlier this year.
The government will require approximately GHC57 million annually to fund the free dialysis treatment programme.