Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, a long-time kidney patient, has shared his distressing story about the recent increase in dialysis cost, which has left him unable to afford his life-sustaining treatments.

Mr Ahenkorah has battled kidney disease for nine years, unknowingly living with hypertension during his school days.

He often felt fatigued and sleepy, assuming it was normal, until a severe illness in 2015 led to a life-changing diagnosis: his kidneys had failed.

Since then, he has relied on regular dialysis to survive.

“I skipped my session due to the price increase. I can’t eat although I am hungry, and it is affecting me a lot because I don’t want to be too heavy. I’ve used all my cash for dialysis, and it is really affecting me. I am nearing my grave and my death,” he cried.

He shared his story on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Wednesday.

Following his diagnosis, Mr Ahenkorah was placed on dialysis, a costly treatment he must undergo three times a week.

Over the years, the financial burden has drained his resources and those of his family, leaving him bankrupt.

“I’ve become a nuisance, and my friends have rejected me,” he said, describing the emotional and financial toll of his condition.

Recently, the government increased the cost of dialysis from GH¢380 to GH¢491, a hike that has been devastating for patients like Mr Ahenekorah.

“The increment has really affected me. I urge the government to do something about it,” he pleaded.

Meanwhile, the Renal Patients Association of Ghana has echoed these concerns, warning that the increased fees will exacerbate the financial difficulties already faced by many patients.

According to statistics, nearly 1,300 Ghanaians are on dialysis, and a renal patient requires about 12 sessions of dialysis a month. With the cost of GH₵380 per dialysis increased to GHS491, a patient will need nearly GHS6,000 a month for the full session.

NHIA to implement 6-month dialysis support on June 1 – CEO reveals

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Aboagye Da-Costa, has revealed that his outfit will commence its intended support for dialysis treatment on June 1. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, May 15, Dr Da-Costa noted that the support would be implemented for the next six months.

This initiative follows the approval of GH₵2 million by Parliament to assist patients requiring dialysis in various parts of the country.