Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is facing criticism following his promise to introduce free dialysis treatment for kidney patients starting December 1. 

Ranking Member on Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has labelled the announcement as a “reactionary promise" from a government that has persistently failed to address the healthcare of Ghanaians.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 15, Mr Akandoh argued that the promise lacks a credible policy framework and budgetary support, questioning its sincerity and feasibility.

• Read also: Free dialysis for all kidney patients under NHIS from Dec. 1, says Bawumia

He noted that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 manifesto makes no mention of such a policy, and the 2024 National Health Insurance Fund Allocation Formula does not include sufficient provisions for its implementation.

"This hollow commitment, for all intents and purposes, is a deceptive attempt to win public favour in the lead-up to the elections," part of the statement read.

According to Mr Akandoh, the 2024 National Health Insurance Formula allocates only GH₵2 million to dialysis treatment, an amount included only after the Minority in Parliament demanded it. 

This minimal allocation, he pointed out, was not initiated by Dr Bawumia’s government but rather through advocacy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He noted that the announcement by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to allocate GH₵3.24 million from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget towards dialysis care, is a move that falls far short of addressing the scope of the problem.

• Read also: NHIA assures free dialysis rollout on track with additional machines for treatment

"The restricted age bracket in Dr. Bawumia’s proposal would benefit fewer than 20% of those affected by renal failure. Even if the combined GHS5.24 million (the original GHS2 million allocation and the total NHIA CSR allocation of GHS3.24 million) were fully utilized, it would be grossly inadequate," he said.

Mr Akandoh also cited past failures to back his argument, pointing to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s renal unit closure last year due to an unpaid GH₵4 million bill for dialysis consumables. 

"Dr Bawumia suddenly claims his administration can commit over GHS8.6 million to dialysis care—an insincere claim and a cruel deception,” Mr Akandoh asserted.

• Read also: People are paying ¢4m or trading apartments for kidneys amid dialysis crisis – Renal Patients’ president

He argued that Dr Bawumia’s pledge is a reaction to a similar promise by former President and flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama. 

As part of the NDC’s “Mahama Cares” programme, he said Mr Mahama has pledged to fund dialysis and cancer treatment comprehensively.

Mr Akandoh accused the NPP of copying the NDC’s manifesto ideas without proper planning or acknowledgement. 

He added that the proposed free dialysis treatment would need to include private healthcare facilities to avoid overwhelming public hospitals.

• Read also: [Infographics] Dialysis crisis: The free treatment promise

"The proposal to start free dialysis care in public government hospitals from December 1 also demonstrates a lack of planning. A policy of this nature should include both public and private hospitals to avoid overwhelming public healthcare facilities with patients who opt to enjoy this new government.

"It is evident that Dr. Bawumia’s recent pledge to cover dialysis treatment is nothing more than a reaction to President John Dramani Mahama’s bold promise to fund dialysis and cancer treatment under the Mahama Cares program.

"Dr. Bawumia’s desperation to match this commitment has led to erratic, kneejerk policies devoid of careful planning. If the Dr Bawumia campaign wants to copy the 2024 NDC manifesto they should respectfully acknowledge the source," he said.