Dr. Aboagye Da-Costa, CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has announced the imminent disbursement of GH¢2 million approved by Parliament to support dialysis treatment for the needy. This funding allocation, sanctioned in March, responds to appeals from kidney patients for government intervention amid rising dialysis costs.

The recent unauthorized increase in dialysis charges at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, from GH¢380 to GH¢491, prompted concerns from members of Parliament's Select Committee on Health, labeling it as illegal.

Dr. Da-Costa expressed optimism that the disbursement would alleviate the financial burden on patients, emphasizing that the funds are earmarked for hospitals catering to dialysis needs, including Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, and Cape Coast hospitals.

Parliament's approval in March included GH¢6.87 billion to facilitate NHIA's health insurance claims payments and operational activities for the year. Additionally, a distribution formula for disbursing funds, now encompassing emergency support for needy dialysis patients, was endorsed for the first time.

Plans for enhanced dialysis funding await the outcome of a committee tasked with evaluating the actuarial model for incorporating dialysis into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Dr. Da-Costa disclosed that a committee analyzing the cost impact of dialysis on claims budgets has submitted its report with recommendations.

As efforts continue to address the challenges faced by dialysis patients, the NHIA remains committed to ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations requiring critical treatments like dialysis.

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