Health Minister, Mintah Akandoh, has dismissed claims that dialysis treatment is free in Ghana, describing such assertions as “misleading.”
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, the minister stated that there is no free dialysis service anywhere in the country.
“I get confused when people say there is free dialysis somewhere in Ghana. This is a misleading statement. There’s no free dialysis anywhere,” he said.
Mr Akandoh explained that the previous government had allocated GH₵2 million for dialysis under the 2024 National Health Insurance Formula, which expired last year.
He, therefore, pointed out that the allocated amount was inadequate, as the country requires at least GH₵75 million annually to provide dialysis treatment for patients.
“The National Health Insurance Formula that covered this expired on December 31, 2024. Beyond that date, there was absolutely nothing like free dialysis because there was no policy or source of funding,” he added.
Government Exploring Sustainable Funding Model
The government is taking steps to establish a sustainable funding model and legal framework for free dialysis and the treatment of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.
Mintah Akandoh on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, inaugurated a nine-member technical Task Force of Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as “Mahama Cares” to oversee its implementation, focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and easing the financial burden on patients battling chronic illnesses like kidney disease.
The committee chaired by Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey is expected to finalize their work and provide a report by April 15, 2025.
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