Reports indicate that 14 renal patients died between May and September since the renal unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was closed down in May 2023.
The devastating revelation was made by the Renal Patients Association during a press conference held in Accra on Monday, October 3, 2023.
Mr. Michael Asante, the spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association, expressed deep concern over the dire situation. He pointed out that the deaths of these patients were directly linked to their inability to access vital dialysis treatment after the unit’s closure.
Patients were forced to seek treatment at expensive private dialysis centres, putting their lives in jeopardy due to financial constraints.
“As we speak, the renal unit has been closed since May 22, 2023, and patients have been left without options. Unfortunately, during this shutdown period, we have lost about 14 of our friends. This has left the rest of us living in constant fear for our tomorrow. We do not know who amongst us will be next to lose their lives needlessly, he said.
The Renal Patients Association issued a heartfelt appeal to the government, urging them to intervene by waiving the costs of dialysis treatment for renal patients. They also called for these cases to be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure that all citizens have access to life-saving treatment.
The Ministry of Health has also stepped in to condemn the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for their handling of the situation. The hospital has faced criticism for increasing dialysis fees without proper approval from Parliament or the Ministry of Health.
Kidney failure patients who rely on the Renal Unit at Korle Bu Hospital for dialysis sessions were shocked to see a substantial increase in fees, with the cost soaring from GH385 to GH765. The Ministry of Health, concerned about this sudden and unauthorized hike, summoned the hospital’s management to explain the situation.
Isaac Offei Baah, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, condemned the Korle Bu Hospital’s actions as “illegal” and called for transparency and proper procedures to be followed in adjusting healthcare fees.
The shocking dialysis crisis has raised serious questions about access to essential healthcare services in Ghana and has prompted a national dialogue on the urgent need for reform and support for renal patients and others facing life-threatening conditions.