The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) have held a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana to discuss ways of improving access to dialysis and renal care services nationwide.
The engagement, led by NHIA Chief Executive Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe and GMTF Administrator Obuobia Darko-Opoku, was attended by Association President Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, Secretary Noel L. G. Sah, and member Thomas Cann.
Ahenkorah renewed calls for broader availability of life-saving renal treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme, stressing the need to expand credentialed facilities and intensify public education on early detection of kidney diseases. The Association expressed concern over the rising number of young people diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and appealed for support to strengthen dialysis centres across the country.
The group highlighted challenges including increasing patient numbers and shortages of critical consumables, noting that many public dialysis centres are overstretched. While commending NHIA and GMTF for their efforts, the Association urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to improve access to affordable dialysis treatment.
Dr. Bampoe assured the Association that he would engage the Ministry of Health on proposals to expand dialysis centres and welcomed the idea of partnering with the NHIA to raise awareness of kidney disease. He disclosed that the NHIS has introduced improved tariffs for healthcare providers to cushion service delivery costs and ensure realistic reimbursement.
GMTF Administrator Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized that while kidney transplant remains the most effective treatment for advanced kidney disease, Ghana currently lacks a legal framework for organ transplant. She expressed optimism that Parliament would pass the necessary legislation before year’s end, paving the way for GMTF to support and finance transplant procedures.
The meeting underscored the urgent need to expand renal care infrastructure, promote early detection, and strengthen Ghana’s preventive healthcare agenda to reduce complications and improve the quality of life for patients living with kidney-related conditions.
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