Mahama Cares best solution to Ghana's dialysis crisis — Seidu Agongo

Businessman and philanthropist, Seidu Agongo, has said the government's decision to put the free dialysis programme under the newly formed Ghana Medical Trust, also known as Mahama Cares could be the best solution to the dialysis crisis facing the country. 

Alhaji Agongo, who founded the Sage Medical Centre, a dialysis hospital in Accra, said many kidney disease patients lacked access to treatments due to funding and service availability, leading to needless complications and loss of lives.

He, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians and specialists in renal health to join hands with the government to address the kidney disease challenges.

Alhaji Agongo was reacting to the announcement by Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Bampoe, last week that the NHIA would procure additional dialysis machines and essential consumables for healthcare facilities nationwide as part of efforts to expand access.

The move, formed part of the government’s broader strategy to improve access to critical healthcare services.

Patner

Alhaji Agongo underscored the need for the government to partner with indigenous entrepreneurs with experiences in the sector to implement the Mahama Cares initiative.

The founder of Sage Medical Centre and the collapsed Heritage Bank Limited said his centre was ready to partner the government to make the free dialysis programme a success.

He said when the Mahama Cares initiative was fully operational could expand access to free dialysis services to all patients nationwide, bridging the access and capacity gaps while saving lives.

The businessman highlighted a significant gap in treatment availability, adding that currently, seven out of the 13 regions, with about 5.7 million people did not have dialysis centres”.

That, Alhaji Agongo  explained that if, a kidney patient in any of the seven regions had to travel to the other six regions for treatment or risk deterioration and early death.

"If you consider the fact that patients require dialysis three times a week to live, then you can imagine the additional pressure it takes for a renal patient to seek treatment in another region," he said.

Cost of dialysis

Alhaji Agongo said every dialsyis session cost GHS750 and every patient required three sessions a week.

"Can you imagine the amount required on dialysis alone in a week, not to mention other expenses," he asked.

Alhaji Agongo therefore, expressed the hope that the Mahama Cares initiative, would provide sustainable funding for healthcare and help to expand free access to life-saving treatment for renal patients.

That , he said was critical to the welfare of Ghanaians, given the rising number of kidney-related diseases in the country. 

Centre

Alhaji Agongo founded the Sage Medical Centre at East Legon in 2020 as a subsidiary of Alive Industry, a market leader in dialysis care and technology.

The company has since imported more than 650 dialysis machines and provides treatments to an average of 10,000 patients every year.

He was moved by the plight of kidney patients to establish the centre to help expand access to quality care.

But after half a decade in the sector, he was convinced that private sector investment was inadequate to address the problem.

As of 2023, Sage Medical Centre was one of 14 dialysis centres in the country serving a population of more than 30 million people.

Alhaji Agongo said the dialysis unit was equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, utilising Nipro and Toray dialysis machines, known for their efficiency, precision, and patient safety.

The machines are supported by a consistent and robust supply chain — with eight containers of dialysis consumables imported every month of components like bloodlines and fistula needles, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and the highest standards of care.

What sets Sage apart is not just the numbers , but the quality of care, the dedication of professionals, and ability to deliver consistently even in the face of rising demand.