The Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) has applauded the government’s initiative to provide free dialysis sessions for kidney patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but calls for the support to be made permanent.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) recently announced that from June 1 to December 2024, patients under 18 and over 60 will receive eight free dialysis sessions per month. 

Those aged 19 to 59 will be entitled to two free sessions monthly.

In a statement on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, the Ghana Kidney Association expressed gratitude for this move, emphasising the positive impact it will have on patients. However, the association urged the government to extend this support to all age groups and make it a permanent part of the NHIS.

The GKA also highlighted the need for the government to pass the draft legislative framework for organ transplants, describing it as the most cost-effective solution for kidney replacement therapy.

Despite their praise, the association raised concerns about the timely reimbursement for these services, noting previous delays in NHIA payments.