The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has disclosed that 24 out of every 1 million Ghanaians suffer from end-stage kidney disease.

This translates to a prevalence rate of 1,250 patients per million population.

Dr. Aboagye shared this insight during an exclusive interview on JoyNews' The Pulse on Wednesday, November 13.

"Based on the prevalence rate, we estimate that in Ghana, about 24 patients in one million people are living with end-stage kidney disease," Dr. Aboagye stated.

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He further highlighted that the NHIA’s pilot programme launched earlier this year for patients over 60 and under 18 years of age offering free dialysis has seen around 400 patients actively claiming benefits.

The programme, which aims to ease the financial burden of dialysis treatment, is part of the NHIA's broader efforts to provide accessible healthcare to those with chronic conditions.

Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that starting December 1, 2024, government will provide free dialysis treatment for all kidney patients covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in the Old Tafo Pankrono Constituency, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting patients in need through the NHIS.

“The NHIS was collapsing. We have revived it with a huge investment. Childhood cancer and sickle cell have now been included,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

He continued, “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,” he confirmed.