The Renal Patients Association of Ghana has expressed concern over the potential loss of lives if the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) increases the cost of dialysis.
The association’s warning follows reports that the hospital’s Renal Unit is facing a new debt of GH₵2 million, just three months after the government settled a previous debt of GH¢4 million.
KBTH’s Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Owusu Sekyere, disclosed that the current dialysis costs surpass GH₵720 per session, while patients are currently contributing only GH₵380.
According to the President of the Renal Patients Association, Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, this significant cost disparity places a heavy financial burden on patients. Mr. Ahenkorah emphasized that the current dialysis costs are already unaffordable for many Association members.
In a recent interview on Citi FM, Ahenkorah expressed deep concern, stating that any price increase would be devastating for patients. While acknowledging the hospital’s financial challenges, he urged the government to urgently intervene and find a solution, noting, “Even the current GH¢380 is unaffordable for many.
The government needs to step in.” He concluded with a plea, “People will perish. Lives are at stake. We implore the government to take action.”