Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has paid an additional GH¢1,001,329transferto the six health facilities under the government’s free dialysis programme.
This brings the total of funds transferred under the programme to GH¢1,588,565 since June.
The health facilities are the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), KomfoAnokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH),Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), and the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
Providing the details on allocations in Accra yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, said the current paymentcovers expenses for dialysis services provided in July and August, as well as an advance payment for September.
A programme inception amount of GH¢587,236was paid to the health facilities to cover dialysis services delivered to patients in June.
Breakdown
In a breakdown of the allocation for July and August, he said the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has received GH¢79,051; theKomfoAnokye Teaching Hospitalhas received GH¢90,835while the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital–Central Regional Hospital – has received GH¢41,735.
The EfiaNkwanta Regional Hospital hasreceived GH¢16,694; the Ho Teaching Hospital also known as the Volta Regional Hospital has received GH¢73,650, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital has also received GH¢28,478.
For September, Dr. Aboagye said KBTH has received GH¢84,051; KATH has received 95,835while the CCTH has received GH¢41,735.
The Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital has received GH¢16,694; the Ho Teaching Hospital has also received GH¢73,650, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital has also received GH¢28,478.
Out of the GH¢587,236paid in June, KomfoAnokye Teaching Hospital received GH¢96,236; Cape Coast Teaching Hospital received GH¢77,578while EfiaNkwanta Regional Hospital received GH¢92,308.
Ho Teaching Hospital received GH¢83,470; Tamale Teaching Hospital received GH¢57,938; andKorle Bu Teaching Hospital received GH¢179,706.
Allocation Approach
Dr. Aboagye said payment has been made to the six health facilities involved in the programme tailored according to the number of chronic dialysis patients reported by each.
“Allocations were calculated based on the list of chronic dialysis patients submitted by each hospital.
This strategic approach ensures that the funds are directed where they are most needed, thus maximising the benefit to patients across the country,” he said.
Dr. Aboagye said the hospitals were expected to reimburse all patients who may have paid out-of-pocket during the month of July and August fully, according to the approved amount for the various categories.
Beneficiaries
Dr. Aboagye emphasised that as provided for under the programme, beneficiaries who will receive corresponding support each of the months under the programme includedpatients aged 18 and belowand above 60 years.
He explained that persons aged 19 to 59 years seeking treatment at all the mentioned facilities offering dialysis services, except the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) would receive two (2) dialysis sessions per month while those who would receive treatment at KBTH will receive a subsidy for two (2) dialysis sessions per month, meaning the NHIA will cover 50 per cent of the cost of the two sessions.
Broader Effort
Dr. Aboagye said the programme was part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that dialysis treatment is both accessible and affordable for all patients across the country.
“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling critical health challenges and ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“With this funding, patients in need of dialysis can anticipate continued support, easing some of the financial pressures associated with their treatment,” Dr. Aboagye added.
“This significant development marks a major step forward in improving healthcare delivery in the country, guaranteeing that those requiring dialysis can access the necessary treatment without the added worry of financial strain,” he said.
He said it is also to encourage more corporate entities to join the support for renal dialysis patients.
Background
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced in June this year that the government, through the NHIA has introduced Free Dialysis coverage for some vulnerable patient categories.
This arrangement was approved by Parliament within the NHIA’s Allocation Formula for 2024and was initiated in June.
Under that arrangement, selected healthcare providers are to receive payment for treating dialysis patients up to the tune of GH¢4.4 million, made up of GH¢2 million from the Allocation Formula and GH¢2.4 million from the NHIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Budget for this fiscal year.
A Daily Guide Report