Cost of dialysis increased from GH¢380 to GH¢491

Cost increases have resulted in dozens of dialysis patients having to forgo their life-saving treatments.

Many people are now unable to afford the therapy due to the price increase from 380 to 491, which has left them in a precarious situation.

It’s a terrible pill to take, but many people, who are already struggling to manage their medical ailments, suddenly find themselves in an untenable situation.

Ghanaians, particularly patients on dialysis treatment, lamented when the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 announced an increase from GH¢380 to GHS¢765.42 per dialysis session.

The Hospital was urged to immediately rescind the increase by the Minority Caucus in Parliament, which characterized it as unlawful and obscene.

Major Ahenkorah, however, has stated that the association would address the House when it convenes again on Friday, with the price increase purportedly supported by legislative permission.

Dialysis Patients Association President Kojo Bafour Ahenkora complained that the increase might have been delayed until the National Health Insurance Scheme’s attempts to incorporate dialysis treatment costs were completed. “If Parliament is the one who did this, we beg them to revisit the issues and do something about it,” he said, pleading with the authorities to reevaluate the ruling.

Dialysis has long been a topic of conversation, with the expense of treatment and a lack of equipment continuing to be major problems.

Patients’ cries for inexpensive access to necessary healthcare are becoming more and more evident as they struggle with the cost.

“We are being told that the new price is coming from Parliament and because Parliament is on recess, we are waiting for them to resume, but we learned they are coming Friday for a sitting, so we are trying to get the Parliamentary Select Committee from the House to have a discussion with them, and then we will see the way forward. But before then, we are appealing to all organizations to support us because we cannot foot the bill,” he added.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com