Korle Bu Renal Dialysis Unit Accrues GH₵2 Million Debt
This financial burden arises just three months following the government's clearance of an initial debt totaling GH₵4 million owed by the unit.
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Dr. Owusu Sekyere, the Director of Medical Affairs at KBTH, shed light on the reasons behind the renewed debt accumulation, attributing it to the practice where renal patients cover only half of the costs associated with dialysis treatments. The absence of alternative funding sources to offset the remaining expenses exacerbates the financial strain on the facility.
In an interview on Joy FM's Midday News, Dr. Sekyere highlighted the considerable disparity between the actual cost of dialysis at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, exceeding GH¢720 per session, and the amount paid by patients, which stands at GH¢380. The resulting shortfall of approximately GH¢380 to GH¢400 per session underscores the financial challenges faced by the unit.
Dr. Sekyere underscored the importance of addressing the financial gap through potential fee adjustments, awaiting approval from Parliament to rectify the financial strain on the Renal Dialysis Unit. Despite previous attempts to settle outstanding debts, including the GH¢4 million accumulated earlier, the underlying issue of cost disparities remains unresolved.
Dr. Owusu Sekyere, the Director of Medical Affairs at KBTH, shed light on the reasons behind the renewed debt accumulation, attributing it to the practice where renal patients cover only half of the costs associated with dialysis treatments. The absence of alternative funding sources to offset the remaining expenses exacerbates the financial strain on the facility.
In an interview on Joy FM's Midday News, Dr. Sekyere highlighted the considerable disparity between the actual cost of dialysis at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, exceeding GH¢720 per session, and the amount paid by patients, which stands at GH¢380. The resulting shortfall of approximately GH¢380 to GH¢400 per session underscores the financial challenges faced by the unit.
Dr. Sekyere underscored the importance of addressing the financial gap through potential fee adjustments, awaiting approval from Parliament to rectify the financial strain on the Renal Dialysis Unit. Despite previous attempts to settle outstanding debts, including the GH¢4 million accumulated earlier, the underlying issue of cost disparities remains unresolved.
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Baafour Kojo Ahenkora, the President of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, shared his perspective on the matter, emphasizing the financial strain faced by members even with the current dialysis fee of GH¢380. He expressed concerns over potential price changes, highlighting the life-threatening implications for patients unable to afford treatment if costs escalate.
The unit faced a prior closure in May 2023 due to financial challenges stemming from the removal of tax exemptions on medical consumables, resulting in the GH¢4 million debt accumulation. Following engagements with the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the center was reopened on November 6, 2023, marking a temporary resolution to operational disruptions.
Baafour Kojo Ahenkora, the President of the Renal Patients Association of Ghana, shared his perspective on the matter, emphasizing the financial strain faced by members even with the current dialysis fee of GH¢380. He expressed concerns over potential price changes, highlighting the life-threatening implications for patients unable to afford treatment if costs escalate.
The unit faced a prior closure in May 2023 due to financial challenges stemming from the removal of tax exemptions on medical consumables, resulting in the GH¢4 million debt accumulation. Following engagements with the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, the center was reopened on November 6, 2023, marking a temporary resolution to operational disruptions.
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