Source: newsthemegh.com
Kidney patients on dialysis have called on the government for sustainable policies towards kidney disease management.
They hinted that the cost of treatment for dialysis patients nationwide would decrease as a result of the sustainable measures.
They stated that simply reversing the rise at the Korle Bu Renal Dialysis Unit would place undue pressure on the hospital and deny other patients access to treatment in the wake of the recent increase in dialysis prices at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
They also demanded that the COVID-19 fund be changed into a fund for dialysis care.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has also joined the appeal for the government to swiftly eliminate import fees and levies on drugs and equipment used for dialysis treatment in the nation.
His remarks follow a recent surge in dialysis treatment costs at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit of more than 100%.
Mr. Mahama called the government’s decision to charge patients high healthcare charges in the wake of the recent economic crisis “insensitive” while speaking at a celebration of the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged.
“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.”