U-turn: Korle-Bu Agrees To Review Proposed New Cost of Dialysis Downwards | Health

The Chief Executive of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, says the hospital will review the proposed increment in the cost of renal dialysis downwards.

A notice from the Renal Department informing the public about an increment in the cost of renal dialysis from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42 went viral on social media earlier in the week.

This was received with mixed reactions including the fact that all fees and charges at the premier teaching hospital are supposed to be approved by Parliament and the fact that Parliament was not even aware.

The hospital’s management in a press statement dated Wednesday, September 27, 2023 however however, said the new cost was only a proposal and that any proposed fee increase would be forwarded to Parliament through the Ministry of Health for approval.

The statement also said that the hospital would continue to subsidize dialysis reagents and services for many patients and that it would keep the welfare of renal patients at the centre of any discussions.

CEO speaks on issue

In a radio interview with Accra based Joy FM on Thursday afternoon (Sept 28), the CEO of the hospital, Dr. Ampomah said the new adjustment in the cost of renal dialysis treatment was necessitated by the exchange rate which has affected some of the materials needed for treatment. 

Although he indicated that there will be some review of the new adjustments to lessen the financial burden on patients, the review will not be as significant as many Ghanaians wanted due to many factors affecting their operations. 

Many of those who reacted to the new pricing said it will make the cost of treatment extremely difficult for many patients.

People with kidney failures are usually put on dialysis treatment to help them get rid of waste products and excess fluid from their blood when the kidneys are unable to perform such function.

Dr. Ampomah also indicated that management of the hospital will be engaging Parliament regarding the cost of treatment.

He also called on philanthropic groups and individuals to help subsidize the cost of treatment for patients.