NHIS expands to cover free dialysis nationwide for kidney disease patients starting December 1
Starting December 1, 2024, all kidney patients in Ghana will receive free dialysis treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced. The policy was unveiled during a stakeholder meeting in the Old Tafo Pankrono Constituency in the Ashanti Region, as part of his 15-day campaign tour for the December 7 elections.
“The NHIS was collapsing, but we have revived it with a huge investment. Childhood cancer and sickle cell disease have now been included. Also, kidney dialysis has become expensive, and many patients are unable to pay for the treatment. Six months ago, we started a pilot program for patients above 60 and those under 18. We are now bringing the pilot program to an end. From December 1, all patients will receive free treatment under the NHIS,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
This expanded dialysis policy follows a pilot program introduced earlier this year, which provided free dialysis to patients over 60 and under 18. Now, the initiative will include all NHIS-registered kidney patients, offering critical financial relief to patients and families who struggle to afford the costly treatment.
“Dialysis has become expensive, and this new policy will help reduce the burden on families,” Dr. Bawumia added, emphasizing the positive impact this change is expected to have on affected families.
