The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has made payment of an additional GH¢1,001,329.00 under the government’s free dialysis coverage.
In a statement, the authority explained that the payment covers the expenses for dialysis services provided at six health facilities for July and August and includes an advance payment for September.
The six service providers 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 disbursement, the total amount allocated to the free dialysis programme since its inception in June now stands at GH¢1,588,565.00
The latest payment of GH¢1,001,329.00 ensures that the health facilities are adequately funded for the dialysis services rendered during July and August. Additionally, this amount includes an advance payment to cover services expected in September.
The hospitals will manage the funds and ensure that all patients who may have paid out-of-pocket during the months of July and August will be fully reimbursed according to the approved amount for the various categories.
Since the inception of the programme in June, the NHIA’s financial support has significantly enhanced the accessibility of dialysis services for patients. By covering the costs associated with these life-saving treatments, the NHIA aims to reduce the financial strain on patients and ensure continuity of care.
Beneficiaries
For the avoidance of doubt, the categories of patients below will receive the corresponding support every month for this year. Patients aged 18 and below and 60 years and above will receive all eight (8) free dialysis sessions per month under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from June.
Persons aged 19 to 59 years seeking treatment at KATH, CCTH, ENRH, HTH, and TTH except KBTH, will receive two (2) dialysis sessions per month. Adult Patients (19 to 59) receiving treatment at KBTH will receive a subsidy for two (2) dialysis sessions per month, meaning the NHIA will cover 50% of the cost of the two sessions.
The NHIA appreciates the continued support of the Government and Parliament as we work towards providing access to quality healthcare for all.
This comprehensive funding reflects the NHIA’s commitment to supporting patients in need of dialysis, thereby ensuring that essential medical services remain accessible without financial burden.
Background
In June of this year, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced the introduction of free dialysis coverage for some vulnerable patient categories.
According to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), this cost relief forms part of its 20th-anniversary celebration packages, which start this month.
This initiative follows Parliament’s approval of GH₵2 million to cushion patients requiring dialysis in various parts of the country.
A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, explained the cost of dialysis for patients upon verification is projected to be GH¢329,952 per month, and by the end of December 2024, the cumulative cost could be approximately GH¢2.3 million.
“The cost of dialysis for this treatment category is projected to be GH¢144,354 per month, and by the end of December 2024, the cumulative cost is estimated to be approximately GH¢1.01 million,” the statement added.
Also, patients from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, and Tamale Teaching Hospital, except for Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), would receive some form of subsidy for two dialysis sessions per month at GH¢982.00, which translates GH¢491 per session.
This is due to a philanthropic gesture of GH¢380.00 being offered to such patients to address equity across all facilities.
