NHIA Responds to Kidney Patients’ Pleas: Plans Underway to Include Dialysis Coverage in Health Insurance Scheme

By: Tanihu Nancy Oye

In a significant move to address the growing concerns of kidney patients, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched an initiative to cover the costs of dialysis for individuals enrolled in the Health Insurance Scheme.

Fred Appiah, the Central Regional Director of NHIA, revealed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday that the Authority is actively collecting data from every teaching hospital where dialysis is conducted. This comprehensive approach aims to assess the feasibility of absorbing dialysis costs and subsequently implementing necessary actions.

The decision comes as a response to the appeals from kidney patients across the country, reflecting the NHIA’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the population. Mr. Appiah shared this information during a blood donation exercise conducted as part of the Authority’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.

The NHIA has already submitted data from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) to the Head Office, signaling progress in the assessment process.

“Once we are done with the data collection, there will be positive news that we will consider adding dialysis onto our package,” Mr. Appiah stated, expressing optimism about positive outcomes.

The recent public outcry over the cost and accessibility of dialysis in Ghana has prompted this proactive step. Notably, a move by the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to increase dialysis costs faced strong resistance from the public, who viewed it as a potential threat to the lives of kidney patients.

Mr. Appiah emphasized that the assessment would determine whether the NHIA would fully or partially absorb the cost of dialysis treatment. With the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) already covering approximately 95% of diseases in Ghana, including over 540 medicines, the need to expand the resource base to accommodate additional conditions is recognized.

Addressing concerns about a potential increase in insurance premiums, Mr. Appiah acknowledged the likelihood but emphasized that it might not be sufficient. He appealed to the government to enhance the funds allocated to the NHIA, emphasizing the importance of sustainable health insurance for the nation.