The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the payment of additional GH¢1,001,329.00 under the government’s free dialysis programme.

This allocation covers the expenses for dialysis services provided at six health facilities for the months of July and August, and includes an advance payment for September.

The six 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 NHIA says the hospitals will manage the funds and ensure that all patients who may have paid out-of-pocket during the month of July and August will be fully reimbursed according to the approved amount for the various categories.

By covering the costs associated with these life-saving treatments, the NHIA says it aims to reduce the financial strain on patients and ensure continuity of care.

The categories of patients below will receive the corresponding support every month for this year.

1.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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Background

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in a recent publication announced the introduction of Free Dialysis Coverage for some vulnerable patient categories.

 This arrangement was approved by Parliament within the NHIA’s Allocation Formula for 2024 and was initiated in June.

Under this arrangement, selected healthcare providers are to receive payment for treating dialysis patients up to the tune of GHS 4.4 Million, made up of GHS2 Million from the Allocation Formula and GHS 2.4 Million from the NHIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Budget for this fiscal year.

This move is part of an effort to enhance access to and affordability of dialysis treatment for patients in Ghana.