In a recent development, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Ghana has announced a significant increase in the cost of renal dialysis, a crucial life-saving treatment for individuals suffering from kidney failure. The price of dialysis has surged from GHS¢380 to GHS¢765.42, leaving many members of the public deeply concerned about the accessibility of this essential medical service.
Understanding the Importance of Dialysis
Dialysis is a medical procedure that plays a pivotal role in the lives of individuals with kidney failure. When the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, dialysis steps in to save the day. However, this critical treatment comes at a high cost, making it unaffordable for a significant portion of the Ghanaian population.
Public Outcry and Concerns
The abrupt price hike in dialysis at KBTH has triggered a wave of public outcry. Those who depend on this life-sustaining procedure are struggling to come to terms with the increased financial burden.
One concerned trader expressed his dismay, stating, “Even the GH¢380 they can’t afford, and today you can see that GH¢765, then people are going to die. When you look at the situation, even for Korle Bu to do some subsidy on this dialysis is possible because patients cannot pay even GH¢380.”
Another individual shared their perspective, saying, “I got alarmed by that particular notice because I know people who go for dialysis sometimes three times a week, and they need to do that 12 times in a month. So, if a person has to do that 12 times a month and they have to pay in excess of 700 just to do a simple calculation. That is huge.”
The consensus among the affected individuals is that the increased cost of dialysis is beyond their means, and they fear dire consequences as a result.
Celebrity Voices Weigh In
The public outcry has not gone unnoticed by Ghanaian celebrities, some of whom have joined the conversation. Actor and politician John Dumelo emphasized the need for dialysis treatment to be included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make it more accessible to the masses.
In a social media post, he stressed,
“Dialysis treatment should be included under the NHIS. It can be done.”
KBTH’s Response
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has responded to the public’s concerns by disclosing that they have engaged in private discussions with affected patients regarding the fee increase. Furthermore, the hospital has resumed its routine operations at the dialysis center after receiving a consignment of renal consumables.
Mustapha Salifu, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of KBTH, explained that the treatment interruption occurred due to contractual issues with the supplier. He stated, “We had some contractual issues with the suppliers of the consumables that we use for renal dialysis, and that caused some delay in getting the consumables imported into the country for services to our patients. But thankfully, last week we took delivery of the consumables and then we are starting to provide the services to patients.”
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen whether the concerns of the public will be addressed and if the cost of dialysis will be revisited to ensure that this life-saving treatment remains accessible to all who need it.
Conclusion
The recent increase in the cost of renal dialysis at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has sparked a significant public outcry. Many are deeply concerned about the affordability of this essential treatment, which is a lifeline for individuals with kidney failure. The hospital’s decision to engage with affected patients and resume operations after resolving contractual issues with suppliers is a positive step. However, the debate about the cost of dialysis and its accessibility to all continues.
For individuals in Ghana, especially those in need of dialysis, the hope is that a solution will be found to ensure that this critical medical service remains within reach.