The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for an expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to encompass critical illnesses, particularly kidney diseases.

This move aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with dialysis for patients.

WHO Country Director, Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, emphasized that extending coverage to include renal treatment services would significantly ease the financial strain experienced by patients.

This is especially pertinent given the recent outcry over escalated dialysis fees at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

During a media event in Accra, Dr. Kasolo underscored the importance of a thorough reassessment of NHIS operations.

He highlighted, “If our health insurance is comprehensive and covers renal treatment services, it can alleviate the costs associated with it. This would reduce the increasing out-of-pocket expenses we are witnessing, especially concerning dialysis costs.”

Incorporating renal treatment services into the benefits package of NHIS, according to Dr. Kasolo, could potentially reduce the financial burden on patients and offer a viable solution to the rising out-of-pocket expenditures tied to dialysis costs.