Former President John Dramani Mahama has issued a fervent appeal to the government, urging them to expeditiously abolish import tariffs and taxes imposed on essential medication and dialysis treatment equipment within the nation.
His call comes in response to a recent escalation in the price of dialysis treatment following an announcement by the Renal Dialysis Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, which has sparked public controversy over the week.
Addressing a gathering during a special event commemorating the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged, Mr. Mahama did not mince words as he decried the government’s decision to place an onerous financial burden on patients, particularly in the midst of the recent economic turbulence.
“Given the opportunity, we shall bring relief to thousands of our citizens suffering from these ailments. Just this week, there was an uproar when the nation’s premier teaching hospital, Korle Bu announced an increase in charges for dialysis treatment by one hundred percent which is threatening to put the cost of dialysis treatment out of the reach of many patients and their families.
“The explanation I have read from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital cites the increase in taxes and duties of materials for dialysis treatment as the main reason for their decision to hike the price by a hundred percent. As an immediate measure, I call on the government to exempt medication and kits for dialysis treatment from taxes and duties to maintain this critical lifeline for patients whose survival depends on these treatments.”
