The Ministry of Health has taken action in response to the recent uproar surrounding the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital's decision to impose a new fee on kidney patients seeking dialysis treatment. 

The hospital's management has been summoned by the Health Ministry to account for the fee, which has generated public criticism.

Head of Public Relations at the Health Ministry, Isaac Ofie stressed the concern of the ministry over the dialysis treatment fee hike by the management of the hospital without proper approval from either the Ministry or Parliament.

“Before you increase fees, there is a need for proper procedure or caution to be taken, extending the proposed price to Parliament for approval.

“But this has not gotten to us yet, and even if it has reached the ministry, it should be presented before Parliament for approval before it can be charged,” the Ministry’s head of public relations stated.

The Health Ministry has, therefore, summoned the hospital's management for an urgent meeting to explain their actions. 

A notice by the Korle Bu Teaching hospital had informed renal dialysis patients about the hike in prices from GHS380 to GHS765.42

The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) however, clarified that the price adjustment of renal dialysis from GHS380 to GHS765.42 is yet to receive consideration and approval from the Ministry of Health and subsequent parliamentary endorsement.

In a statement, the hospital management acknowledged the concerns regarding the affordability of renal dialysis and assured the public that the revised fee would only be implemented after obtaining the necessary parliamentary approval.

They emphasised their understanding of the challenges faced by renal dialysis patients and expressed commitment to work with stakeholders and philanthropists to subsidise dialysis reagents and services, as they have been doing over the years.