President John Mahama has ordered the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to extend government subsidies on dialysis treatment to patients receiving care in private hospitals.
The decision, announced by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh at the inauguration of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Board, popularly known as “Mahama Cares”, seeks to ease the financial strain faced by kidney patients nationwide.
Akandoh explained that the government will now pay GH₵500 per dialysis session for patients treated at private facilities, matching the existing support available at public hospitals.
“Many patients depend on private centres for dialysis, and the President has directed that they receive the same level of support,” he said.
He noted that the move effectively means the state will absorb half of the cost of dialysis sessions across both public and private hospitals.
The directive has already been communicated to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for swift implementation.
The minister further encouraged corporate bodies and individuals to contribute to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which will provide financial aid for treating chronic non-communicable diseases.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Anthony Ashitei Lithur, with Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku serving as administrator, alongside other seasoned health and finance professionals.
