The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one of Ghana’s premier healthcare institutions, has pointed to the burden of high taxes and the removal of subsidies as the primary factors behind its decision to increase the cost of dialysis by over 100%. This significant price hike has raised concerns among patients and healthcare advocates alike.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, revealed that the institution’s decision to raise the cost of dialysis treatment was driven by the escalating expenses incurred due to taxation.
Previously, the hospital enjoyed exemptions from import duties and related taxes, significantly reducing the financial strain on its dialysis unit. However, as of the past year, these benefits were withdrawn, resulting in increased financial pressure.
Mr. Salifu explained, “Previously some of the variables were actually being taken care of by the state. But now we have had to pay for everything ourselves, and all those things are factored into it.” He emphasized that the cost of importing necessary equipment and supplies had become a significant financial burden on the hospital.
Highlighting the substantial costs associated with providing dialysis treatment, Mr. Salifu stressed that failing to adjust the price would jeopardize the unit’s sustainability. He clarified that the hospital’s intention was not profit-driven but aimed at ensuring the provision of quality services to its patients.
The ripple effect of this cost increase may extend to other regional hospitals, given the rising prices of consumables.
However, information gathered by happyghana.com revealed that the management of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital was not rushing to implement a similar increase in dialysis treatment costs, despite facing similar challenges relating to rising expenses.
The sudden surge in the cost of dialysis treatment at Korlebu has triggered concerns among patients, many of whom were already struggling to afford the previous rates. Some fear that the new rates will exacerbate their already precarious financial situations.
This issue gained prominence during the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, where an impassioned protester lamented the loss of a patient due to the inability to cover the cost of dialysis treatment.