The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has begun implementing the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) policy to cover dialysis costs for kidney patients under 18 and over 60 years old. So far, eight patients have benefited from this initiative, and the hospital’s management has confirmed that those who initially paid for the services will receive refunds.

Previously, only 20% of patients with end-stage renal disease could afford the twice-weekly dialysis sessions. However, with the NHIA’s intervention, the hospital expects the remaining 80% to now access the necessary treatment.

Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, visited the hospital to monitor the policy’s implementation and assured that the government will ensure its effective rollout. He stated that the NHIA will reimburse the cost of dialysis once hospitals submit their claims.

“We are just monitoring. Today, we are in the Ashanti Region to see how it’s being implemented. As I mentioned previously, the CEOs were part of the decision-making process based on the available resources. The National Health Insurance Authority has the funds available and will reimburse hospitals once claims are submitted,” Dr. Aboagye explained.

He added that the government has a comprehensive plan for not only kidney disease but also chronic diseases. “The government has a comprehensive plan for chronic diseases, including kidney disease. I am confident it will soon be unveiled as part of the government’s overall agenda.”

Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, the hospital’s Deputy Medical Director, confirmed the policy's implementation, stating that patients who paid for dialysis treatment starting from June 1 will be refunded. “We had a meeting with stakeholders in the hospital, and right after our meeting on Friday, the team began rolling it out using the forms provided by the NHIA,” Dr. Larbi said.

Source by Citinewsroom