The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released additional GH¢1,001,329 for the payment of free dialysis services to six healthcare providers for the months of July and August.
The disbursement which includes an advance payment for September, brings to total GH¢1,588,565, the amount allocated to the free dialysis programme since its inception in June.
The six providers are Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Efia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (ENRH), Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH), Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
In a breakdown on the latest payment, the KATH would receive 186,670.00, CCTH, 83,470.00, ENRH, 33,388.00, HTH, 147,300.00, TTH, 56,956.00 and KBTH, 163,102.00, a press statement issued and signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NHIA, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, in Accra, yesterday and copied the Ghanaian Times, said.
“The payment is to ensure that the health facilities are adequately funded for the dialysis services rendered during July and August. Additionally, this amount includes an advance payment to cover services expected in September,” the statement added.
It said the hospitals would manage the funds and ensure that all patients who may have paid out-of-pocket during the month of July and August would be fully reimbursed according to the approved amount for the various categories.
“Since the inception of the program in June, the NHIA’s financial support has significantly enhanced the accessibility of dialysis services for patients. By covering the costs associated with these life-saving treatments, the NHIA aims to reduce the financial strain on patients and ensure continuity of care,” it added.
For avoidance of doubt, the statement explained that patients aged 18 and below and 60 years and above would receive all eight free dialysis sessions per month under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from June.
It said persons aged 19 to 59 years seeking treatment at KATH, CCTH, ENRH, HTH, and TTH except KBTH, would receive two dialysis sessions per month.
However, adult patients (19 to 59) receiving treatment at KBTH would receive a subsidy for two dialysis sessions per month, meaning the NHIA would cover 50 per cent of the cost of the two sessions.
“The NHIA appreciates the continuous support of the government and Parliament as we work towards providing access to quality healthcare for all.
This comprehensive funding reflects the NHIA’s commitment to supporting patients in need of dialysis, thereby ensuring that essential medical services remain accessible without financial burden,” it added.
The NHIA in a recent publication announced the introduction of free dialysis coverage for some vulnerable patient categories.
This arrangement was approved by Parliament within the NHIA’s Allocation Formula for 2024 and was initiated in June.
Under this 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 GHS¢2.4 million from the NHIA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Budget for this fiscal year.
This move forms part of an effort to enhance access to and affordability of dialysis treatment for patients in Ghana.
The NHIA is dedicated to improving healthcare access and remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of all insured individuals.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
