The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has announced the commencement of a six-month free dialysis support programme for renal patients from June to December 2024.

This comes after weeks of JoyNews’ Dialysis Crisis Series which culminated in a national dialogue on the matter last year with stories tracking the promises made by various officials and stakeholders.

The support, as explained in a statement released by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) dated June 1, noted that beneficiaries of the dialysis programme have been divided into two categories – Vulnerable groups [patients aged below 18 and above 60] and persons aged 18 to 59 years.

According to the Scheme, “patients under 18 and above 60 years will receive all eight free dialysis per sessions per month” with a cumulative cost estimated to be approximately GH₵ 2.3 million.

It added that “patients from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (EFRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and Tamale Teaching Hospital will receive two dialysis sessions per month at GH₵ 982.00 that is GH₵491 per session.”

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“The cost of dialysis for this treatment category [persons aged 18 to 59 years] is projected to be GH₵144,354 per month and by the end of December 2024, the cumulative cost is estimated to be approximately GH₵ 1.01 million.”

Although renal patients from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KATH) will not be beneficiaries of the above, they will also receive a subsidy for two dialysis sessions per month at GH₵491.

This NHIA explained that this is due to a philanthropic gesture of GH₵380.00 being offered to renal patients.

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It further noted that the initiative will cost GH ₵4.4 million and reiterated the government's commitment to finding sustainable interventions to deal with renal diseases and other illnesses not currently covered.