Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, former Presidential Advisor on Health, has emphasised that the introduction of free dialysis under the previous administration was a purely technical decision, devoid of political influence.

He clarified that the policy was formulated by a dedicated technical committee, ensuring it aligned with efforts to improve healthcare accessibility.

The free dialysis programme was rolled out in 2024 as part of measures to alleviate the financial burden of treatment for patients suffering from kidney disease.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, 13th March 2025, Dr Nsiah-Asare explained that the decision was made within the framework of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and was driven by expert recommendations rather than political considerations.

“I want to bring to the minister’s attention that this was a technical decision, not a political one. The Health Insurance Scheme operates with a technical committee responsible for reviewing and expanding its benefits. In 2022, alongside free dialysis, we introduced coverage for six additional chronic diseases. We also incorporated an annual free medical check-up for all active NHIS cardholders. These decisions were based purely on technical recommendations, not political directives,” he stated.

Despite its intended benefits, the policy faced criticism from some opposition figures. In 2024, Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, a then-ranking member of the Health Committee, dismissed the initiative as a political ploy.

He argued that the programme lacked a well-defined policy framework and accused the government of making unfulfilled promises in the healthcare sector.

The introduction of free dialysis remains a subject of debate, with concerns over sustainability and long-term funding.