By Daniel Adu Darko
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released GH₵200 million as claims payment to health facilities nationwide while rolling out the
free dialysis treatment programme, effective December 1, 2024.
The NHIA’s prompt payments regime, introduced earlier this year, has been instrumental in maintaining a debt-free status for 2024, ensuring timely reimbursement to
healthcare providers across the country.
This latest payment brings the total amount released by the NHIA over the last two months to GH¢1 billion, underscoring the Authority’s ongoing commitment to
supporting healthcare providers and ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Dr.Da-Coasta Aboagye,NHIA CEO
Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, conrmed the disbursement in an interview with the Ghana News Agency to cover claims submitted and vetted
for the months of September and October 2024
He assured Ghanaians that the NHIA had no outstanding claims to settle, emphasizing the Authority’s readiness to ensure the successful implementation of the free
dialysis programme.
“We don’t have any outstanding claims to pay. Normally, our payments range between GH₵150 million and GH₵200 million. I have told the facilities to bring their claims
because we have the money to pay them. NHIS is at its best and back on its feet,” Dr DaCosta Aboagye said.
Dr. Aboagye highlighted the scheme’s financial growth, noting that its budget had increased by GH₵2 million annually since 2017.
He disclosed that the NHIA 2024 budget stood at GH₵6.8 billion, with half allocated for claims.
“As we speak, the claims budget is still underutilized. We have paid over GH₵2 billion in claims this year and still have funds available. We are literally begging facilities to
bring their claims,” he reiterated.
Accredited Facilities for Free Dialysis
To facilitate the programme, the NHIA has accredited several hospitals across the country to provide free dialysis treatment to kidney patients registered under the
National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
These include: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital and 37
Military Hospital.
Others are Ridge Regional Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Berekum, Ea Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Takoradi, Ghana Police Hospital, International Maritime Hospital,
Newtown Islamic Hospital Ltd, Eastern Regional Hospital and FirstCare Hospital.
The rest are Trust Hospital Premium Centre, Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga, Upper West Regional Hospital, Volta Regional Hospital, Hohoe , Takoradi Hospital and Hart
Adventist Hospital.
This initiative, championed by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was built on a successful pilot programme that provided free dialysis for patients under 18 and
those over 60 years old. The expanded policy now set to cover 1,200 Ghanaian kidney patients under the NHIS.
The free dialysis programme has been estimated to cost GH¢57 million annually. Each eligible patient would receive eight dialysis sessions per month at any private or
public NHIA credentialed facility, at a cost of GH¢491 per session.
Call for National Support
Dr. Aboagye urged Ghanaians to support the programme, emphasizing the need to depoliticize the initiative.
“Kidney disease does not know any party colour. Let us work together to make this policy effective for the benefit of all who need dialysis treatment,” he said.
The NHIA’s commitment to healthcare transformation underscores Ghana’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to critical medical services for all citizens.
GNA
