By: Kekli K. Blamey
This move coincides with the rollout of the free dialysis treatment program, which commenced on December 1, 2024.
According to Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, the payment covers claims submitted and vetted for the months of September and October 2024.
He emphasized that the NHIA has no outstanding claims to settle, ensuring the successful implementation of the free dialysis program.
The NHIA’s prompt payments regime has been instrumental in maintaining a debt-free status for 2024.
This latest payment brings the total amount released by the NHIA over the last two months to GH¢1 billion, demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to supporting healthcare providers.
Dr. Aboagye highlighted the scheme’s financial growth, noting that its budget had increased by GH₵2 billion annually since 2017.
He disclosed that the NHIA 2024 budget stood at GH₵6.8 billion, with half allocated for claims.
“As we speak, the claims budget is still underutilized. We have paid over GH₵2 billion in claims this year and still have funds available. We are literally begging facilities to bring their claims,” he reiterated.
The free dialysis program is a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes for individuals with renal disease.
The program covers all persons with renal disease, with each eligible patient receiving eight dialysis sessions per month at any private or public NHIA-credentialed facility, at a cost of GH¢491 per session.
Forty facilities are participating in the program, with 20 ready to start providing free dialysis services as of December 1, 2024.
The program is estimated to cost GH₵57 million annually.
The NHIA’s efforts to provide quality healthcare services to Ghanaians are commendable. The rollout of the free dialysis program is a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes for individuals with renal disease.
