LIST: These 20 hospitals will provide free dialysis from December 1, 2024, in Ghana

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has officially launched its national free dialysis programme, with 20 accredited health facilities set to provide free dialysis services across Ghana starting today.  

The NHIS initiative, which follows a successful six-month pilot phase, will offer kidney patients registered under the scheme access to up to eight free dialysis sessions per month at participating facilities. 

The programme aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and families, with each session valued at GH₵491.  

NHIA’s commitment to accessible healthcare  

In a statement, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) outlined its commitment to ensuring the successful rollout of the programme: "The NHIA is pleased to announce the official commencement of the national free dialysis programme today, December 1, 2024, in NHIA-credentialed facilities. All participating facilities have received letters of commencement, ensuring the smooth implementation of this critical service."

The NHIA has also confirmed the release of GH₵200 million for claims to healthcare facilities across the country for September and October 2024, part of its GH₵1 billion commitment over the past two months to support healthcare providers.  

Participating hospitals  

The 20 hospitals providing free dialysis from December 1 include:
 
1. Hart Adventist Hospital (Ashanti Region)  
2. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Ashanti Region)  
3. FirstCare Hospital (Ashanti Region)  
4. Holy Family Hospital, Berekum (Bono Region)  
5. Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (Central Region)  
6. Eastern Regional Hospital (Eastern Region)  
7. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Greater Accra Region)  
8. 37 Military Hospital (Greater Accra Region)  
9. Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd (Greater Accra Region)  
10. Ghana Police Hospital (Greater Accra Region)  
11. Trust Hospital Premium Centre (Greater Accra Region)  
12. Ridge Regional Hospital (Greater Accra Region)  
13. International Maritime Hospital (Greater Accra Region)  
14. Tamale Teaching Hospital (Northern Region)  
15. Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga (Upper East Region)  
16. Upper West Regional Hospital (Upper West Region)  
17. Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region)  
18. Volta Regional Hospital, Hohoe (Volta Region)  
19. Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital (Western Region)  
20. Takoradi Hospital (Western Region)  

Support from stakeholders 

The NHIA has worked in partnership with healthcare providers, dialysis unit leaders, the Private Health Association, and the leadership of the Dialysis Patient Group to ensure a seamless rollout. The government, supported by the World Bank, has procured 45 dialysis machines, seven of which have already been delivered, with 23 currently being cleared and 15 on order.  

"To enhance this initiative, the government, in partnership with the World Bank, has secured 45 dialysis machines nationwide... More of such facilities will be procured in the coming years to ensure continued service delivery to patients," the NHIA statement added.  

Impact of free dialysis programme  

The free dialysis programme is expected to benefit approximately 1,200 patients nationwide and will cost an estimated GH₵57 million annually. Patients are advised to report any charges for dialysis services, as participating facilities are required to refund such payments in full.  

The statement signed by the NHIA Chief Executive, Dr Da-Costa Aboagye, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to ensuring quality healthcare for all: "The NHIA remains committed to ensuring the availability of quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians, and we will continue to work collaboratively with all partners to build a sustainable and efficient healthcare system." 

With this initiative, the NHIA and its partners aim to provide critical support to kidney patients while strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.