Renal patients cry out for help amid increase in cost of dialysis to GH¢491

The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has raised concerns regarding the recent spike in dialysis costs from GH¢380 to GH¢491.

This surge in expenses closely follows the association's opposition to a previous upward adjustment earlier this year.

Major Baffour Kojo Ahenekorah, spokesperson for the group, said that this latest increase will further burden already struggling patients, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford necessary treatments.

He appealed to philanthropic organizations to provide assistance while they await parliament's reconvening on Friday, May 17, 2024, to pursue the matter there.

"This is going to have a significant impact on us. Many of us cannot afford the GH¢380, and as a result, patients have begun skipping sessions. Now, with the cost rising to GH¢491, the situation will only worsen. Some patients have already been forced to forego treatment due to financial constraints, and this poses a major challenge for us. We are unsure of how to proceed," he said.

Ahenekorah continued, "We've been informed that the new pricing is a result of decisions made in parliament. As parliament is currently on recess, we are eagerly awaiting their return. We've heard they will reconvene on Friday, and we hope to engage with the Parliamentary Select Committee to discuss this issue. In the meantime, we urge all organizations to lend their support, as we are unable to bear the costs alone."

With a population of 30.8 million people, Ghana has about 15,400 patients with kidney failure, according to a research work published on BMC Health Research Services.

EAN/AE

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