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Ghanaian actor and politician, John Dumelo, has joined the chorus of voices decrying the skyrocketing costs of dialysis treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. He is now advocating for the inclusion of dialysis treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure access for all Ghanaians in need.
Dumelo’s intervention comes in response to a widely circulated image on social media that exposed a staggering 101 percent increase in the price of dialysis, raising concerns about the affordability of this life-saving medical procedure. The cost has surged from GH¢380 to GH¢765, a leap that has left many citizens worried about the financial burden it places on patients and their families.
The aspiring Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), took to Twitter to express his views on the matter. In his tweet, Dumelo questioned why dialysis treatment is not currently covered by the NHIS and argued that such an addition is not only necessary but also achievable.
“Dialysis treatment should be included under the NHIS. It can be done,” Dumelo posted, igniting a public discussion on the issue and drawing attention to the pressing need for reforms in healthcare coverage.
Dialysis treatment is a critical medical procedure for patients suffering from kidney-related ailments. It involves the use of specialized equipment to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions adequately. The procedure is not only life-sustaining but also significantly costly, making it inaccessible to many Ghanaians without adequate insurance coverage.
John Dumelo’s call for the NHIS to encompass dialysis treatment reflects a broader concern about the affordability of healthcare in Ghana. With healthcare costs on the rise, the dialogue initiated by Dumelo underscores the need for policy changes and greater accessibility to essential medical services.
As this debate gains momentum, healthcare authorities and policymakers will undoubtedly face increased pressure to address the issue of dialysis coverage under the NHIS, potentially bringing relief to countless Ghanaians grappling with the financial burden of this critical medical treatment.
