The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that kidney dialysis treatments will be provided free of charge to all patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) beginning Sunday, 1 December 2024.

This move is expected to alleviate the financial burden of dialysis for thousands of Ghanaians affected by kidney disease.

Dr Bawumia made the announcement while addressing a crowd during a campaign stop in the Old Tafo constituency in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

He explained that this nationwide programme follows a successful six-month pilot initiative, which offered free dialysis to patients over 60 and those under 18.

“Many people suffer from kidney diseases, requiring dialysis, which can be costly and unaffordable for many,” Dr Bawumia noted.

He continued that: “Six months ago, we initiated a pilot programme to include dialysis under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). For the past six months, individuals over 60 and those under 18 have been receiving free dialysis.”

 Dr Bawumia explained, the pilot programme has paved the way for a full-scale rollout.

“Starting December 1 of this year, all kidney dialysis patients will be covered for free under the NHIS,” he assured.