Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has revealed a transformative healthcare decision, announcing that dialysis services will now be permanently covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking at the opening of a new NHIA district office in Kpandai, Northern Region, Dr. Aboagye highlighted that extensive actuarial analyses have confirmed the feasibility and sustainability of this critical addition.
“After doing due diligence, the Authority has been offering free dialysis for all patients at varying proportions, which was expected to end after six months,” he shared, underscoring the shift towards more accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations.
The NHIS coverage for dialysis initially began as a six-month pilot, enabling patients over 60 and under 18 to receive up to eight free sessions per month, while those aged 18 to 59 were granted two sessions monthly.
With this permanent inclusion, Dr. Aboagye affirmed the Authority’s commitment to addressing healthcare inequalities, viewing the initiative as part of the NHIA’s corporate social responsibility.
Dr. Aboagye also announced a notable expansion of the NHIS benefits, adding mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety starting November 1, 2024, along with the rollout of the E-Pharmacy policy to address co-payments.
“As the NHIA continues its journey towards healthcare modernisation, Ghanaians can look forward to more initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes,” he added, attributing the financial strength of NHIS to recent government efforts.
He praised President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s dedication, crediting their leadership with resolving past payment delays, ensuring over GHc800 million cedis were paid in just the past month.
At the event, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, the Northern Regional Minister, lauded the NHIA’s infrastructure development, encouraging residents to enroll in the NHIS to benefit from enhanced healthcare services.
Mr. Kofi Tatabika, the District Chief Executive, praised the upgraded NHIA office, stating, “This is a vital step towards ensuring our people receive the care they need.”
The new NHIA district offices, also inaugurated in Suaman, Juaboso, and Damango, are set to strengthen healthcare access across the region, transforming lives by ensuring primary healthcare reaches 95 percent of residents.
