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Accra, September 28, 2023
The management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a prominent healthcare institution in Ghana, has attributed the substantial cost hike in dialysis treatment, exceeding 100%, to recent tax policy changes implemented by the government. This revelation was made by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, during a press statement today.
According to Salifu, the Ghanaian government has revoked certain tax exemptions previously enjoyed by the hospital for the importation of essential equipment used in the treatment of patients suffering from kidney infections. This policy shift has necessitated the hospital to bear the full burden of import duties and related taxes, which has significantly driven up the cost of dialysis treatment.
In his statement, Salifu explained, “Previously, some of the variables were actually being taken care of by the state. But now we have had to pay for everything ourselves, and all those expenses are factored into it. We used to clear these items, we used to get tax exemptions when we were clearing these items. But now you have to pay for the import duty and other taxes that are related to it.”
He emphasized that the increased cost is not intended to generate profits for the hospital but rather to continue providing quality healthcare services to its patients.
Salifu also warned that reverting to the previous lower cost of treatment would pose a severe threat to the sustainability of the hospital’s dialysis unit. This revelation comes after concerns were raised during the recent #OccupyJubileeHouse demonstration, where a protester passionately voiced their grievances over the loss of a patient’s life due to an inability to afford the elevated treatment expenses.
The impact of this cost surge is being felt by many dialysis patients who are now grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about their medical conditions, as the increased financial burden has left them worried about their ability to access the crucial treatment they require.
Meanwhile, the management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi is yet to announce any changes in the cost of dialysis treatment, despite the rising prices of consumables and other essential components. This development highlights the variation in healthcare costs across different regions of Ghana.
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s plea for a reconsideration of tax policies and their potential impact on healthcare accessibility raises important questions about the delicate balance between public healthcare funding and the affordability of crucial medical services for patients. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and policymakers will be closely monitoring these developments to ensure that adequate and affordable healthcare remains accessible to all citizens.
