We need to expand it – NHIA CEO pushes for sustainable dialysis programme

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Bampoe, has revealed that plans are underway to expand the country’s free dialysis programme to make treatment more accessible and sustainable for renal patients.
Speaking on the current state of dialysis support in Ghana, Dr. Bampoe acknowledged the previous government’s role in initiating the programme and highlighted the progress made so far.
“The previous government started the free dialysis, and there are 20 centres where the service is offered free of charge. What is needed is to expand it to make it more sustained in terms of funding,” he said.
The NHIA boss emphasized the importance of integrating dialysis treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure it becomes a permanent part of Ghana’s healthcare system rather than being reliant on temporary funding mechanisms.
“So that instead of the exercise depending on some funds, it will become like any other disease under the NHIS,”Dr. Bampoe added.
This move, if implemented, could be a major relief for hundreds of Ghanaians battling kidney-related diseases, as dialysis treatment remains one of the most expensive and essential procedures for patients with renal failure.