Kidney dialysis is now free in Ghana starting from December 1, 2024.
The vice president of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced that the government from December 1, 2024 will be providing free dialysis treatment for all kidney patients.
According to him, the treatment will be covered by the national health bedrock, National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS).
The National Patriotic Party flagbearer while speaking at a stakeholder meeting in the Old Tafo Pankrono Constituency reinstated that the government is committed to support patients in need through the National Health Insurance Scheme.
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He said the new free dialysis policy came about after a successful pilot program launched earlier this year for Kidney failure patients over 60 and under 18 years.
“The NHIS was collapsing. We have revived it with a huge investment. Childhood cancer and sickle cell have now been included,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“Also, kidney dialysis has become expensive and a lot of patients are unable to pay for the treatment. Six months ago, we started the pilot program for patients above 60 and those below 18. We are finally bringing the piloting to an end.”
“From December 1, all patients will receive free treatment under the NHIS,” Dr. Bawumia confirmed.
Countries Where Kidney Dialysis is Free
Ghana joins the few countries worldwide where kidney dialysis is free.
The vice president of the West African country during a stakeholders meeting confirmed that the country will from December 1, 2024 provide free kidney dialysis under the flagship National Health Insurance Scheme.
Apart from Ghana which is yet to roll a free kidney dialysis program, countries where kidney dialysis treatments is free includes;
- India
Kidney dialysis treatment is totally free in India in all government hospitals. The program is for poor people who have below the poverty line card.
- United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Kidney dialysis is free at National Health Service (NHS) units and private unit that have gone into agreement with the NHS.
- Australia
In Australia, both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are free for patients. Patients receives financial support from the Australian government to cover dialysis costs, travel costs, and career support costs.
- Canada
In Canada, most hospitals and dialysis clinics are not-for-profit and publicly funded. This makes kidney dialysis free for all Canadians and funded publicly.