Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that all kidney patients registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will receive free dialysis treatment starting December 1, 2024. The initiative, revealed during a stakeholder meeting in the Old Tafo Pankrono Constituency, aims to alleviate the high costs associated with dialysis, making treatment accessible to those in need.
This announcement follows a successful pilot program that initially provided free dialysis for patients above 60 and those under 18. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the government’s efforts to rejuvenate NHIS through substantial investments, noting, “The NHIS was collapsing. We have revived it with a huge investment. Childhood cancer and sickle cell have now been included.”
With the expansion of coverage, all NHIS-registered kidney patients will be eligible for free dialysis sessions. Dr. Bawumia underscored the impact, stating, “Dialysis has become expensive, and this new policy will help reduce the burden on families.”
Currently on a 15-day tour of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia’s announcement comes ahead of the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections. The Vice President’s ongoing tour aims to garner support, with healthcare reforms being a cornerstone of his message to the electorate.
