The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Dacosta Aboagye, has dismissed suggestions that the timing of the rollout for free dialysis treatment is politically motivated.

According to him, when he was appointed to oversee the authority, he immediately informed the board that implementing dialysis coverage was a top priority.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, November 13, he stated that he had already discussed this goal with the Vice President’s Office.

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

“I don't do politics with my work. So immediately I came in, one of the things that I told the board that we needed to achieve was dialysis, and I walked straight to the vice president's office. 

“I did not even wait. And immediately the board approved it was the next day that I made that announcement that we're going to do dialysis. And I had consulted with the vice president,” he explained.

Dr Aboagye reiterated that the free dialysis treatment rollout has no political intent.

“When you come to the NHIS, I can tell you that I have told my staff that let's depoliticise the place. It is a professional institution. It's not a political institution. I was brought in by politics, but at the end of the day, I'm a professional as well,” he said.

He further emphasised that developing the free dialysis treatment policy involved collaboration with colleagues and the Vice President’s research team, underscoring that the initiative was not politically motivated.

“The six months is coming to an end. It's a well-thought-through plan. If we started in June, when will this come to an end? Do we leave them just like that? No. So there is no politics in this," he noted.

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

He added, “Those on dialysis, there is nothing like NDC patients and NPP patients. So let's desist from that. I'm pleading.”

Dr Aboagye assured that when the policy is implemented in December, all NHIS-credentialed facilities will be asked to offer it.

“..Our NHIS will absorb it, and the procurement of the dialysis machines, to support the system is also with PPA,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Dr Aboagye has dispelled concerns that the free dialysis policy may be at risk before its launch.

He said that the NHIA is expediting arrangements to provide additional dialysis machines to facilities participating in the policy rollout, assuring that the World Bank has already approved funding to ensure a smooth rollout, aiming to save hundreds of patients.

Background

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that starting December 1, 2024, the 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 new free dialysis policy follows a successful pilot program launched earlier this year for patients over 60 and under 18 years of age.

“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.