The Association of Persons Suffering from Renal (Kidney) Failure, commonly referred to as dialysis patients, has reported that 14 of its members have passed away due to the closure of the Renal Unit at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
Hospital authorities attributed the shutdown of the unit to a shortage of renal consumables and appealed to the government for assistance.
Mr Micheal Asante, a dialysis patient who spoke on behalf of the association during a press conference in Accra, conveyed their concerns.
“As we speak, the Renal Unit has been closed since 22nd May. Unfortunately, during this shutdown period, we have lost about 14 of our friends,” Mr. Asante informed the media.
The association has appealed to the government to grant a waiver on import duties and related taxes for dialysis consumables and machines.
Additionally, they have urged the government to include dialysis treatment in the coverage of the National Health Insurance (NHIS) or heavily subsidize it.
Mr. Asante also called on philanthropists, churches, business organizations, NGOs, and the public to assist the Renal Unit in addressing the crisis.
He expressed concern over the increasing cost of treatment, with a single session costing GH¢380 and a new fee of GH¢765 at Korle-Bu, which many people cannot afford, leading to a rising death toll among dialysis patients.
By Samira Larbie andAgnes Ansah; Editing by Dennis Gyamfi
