The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has announced the names of health facilities that will provide free dialysis treatment across the country starting December 1, 2024.

The list includes facilities accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

The hospitals that will offer free dialysis treatment include Hart Adventist Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, FirstCare Hospital, Holy Family Hospital (Berekum), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Eastern Regional Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd.

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

The rest are Ghana Police Hospital, Trust Hospital Premium Centre, Ridge Regional Hospital, International Maritime Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, Upper West Regional Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, and Takoradi Hospital.

This announcement follows Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's announcement that starting 1 December 2024, the government will provide free dialysis treatment for all kidney patients covered by the NHIS.

Dr Bawumia emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting kidney patients through the scheme.

The initiative builds on a successful pilot programme launched earlier this year, which targeted patients over 60 and under 18 years of age.

Under the new policy, registered kidney patients under the NHIS will be entitled to free dialysis treatment, a measure designed to ease the financial burden on patients and their families, who often struggle to afford the procedure.

Concerns have been raised about the policy’s readiness before its launch.

However, the NHIA has assured the public that preparations are being expedited to provide additional dialysis machines to participating facilities.

NHIA CEO Dr Dacosta Aboagye confirmed that funding from the World Bank has been approved to support the policy rollout and help save hundreds of patients.