The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has called on political parties to focus on reducing the cost of dialysis treatment across the country.
This appeal follows the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ‘s recent pledge to establish modern dialysis centres in regions currently lacking such facilities.
Kojo Ahenkorah, the association’s spokesperson, welcomed the NDC’s initiative but stressed the need to address the prohibitive costs associated with dialysis.
He highlighted patients’ significant challenges, many of whom travel long distances to receive treatment at facilities such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Ahenkorah shared a poignant example, recounting the story of a patient who commuted from Begoro in the Eastern Region twice a week for ten years before her recent passing. “Dialysis is a major challenge for patients,” Ahenkorah said.
“The travel alone is a significant burden. If the NDC’s plan to set up dialysis centres in all 16 regions is implemented, it will greatly improve patient access.”
While acknowledging the potential benefits of the proposed centres, Ahenkorah underscored the importance of addressing treatment costs.
“I am not sure if the pricing issue was addressed in the pledge,” he noted. “All I heard was the plan to build 16 dialysis centres. Ensuring these centres are affordable is crucial for truly supporting patients.”
The association’s call highlights a critical need for expanded access to dialysis and efforts to make the treatment financially accessible for all Ghanaians in need.
