By: Kkekli K. Blamey
Kojo Baffour Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, has appealed to the government to eliminate taxes on dialysis consumables, aiming to make treatment more affordable for renal patients. Ahenkorah voiced concerns about the recent closure of the Korle-Bu Renal Unit, attributing it to the high taxes on essential medical supplies.
Ahenkorah stressed that dialysis treatment is costly and urged the government to reconsider the taxes levied on these consumables. He also suggested that the government either subsidize the costs or engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders to find a solution.
During an interview on Morning Starr, Ahenkorah reiterated his concerns about the Korle-Bu Renal Unit’s shutdown, which he linked to the burdensome taxes on dialysis supplies. “I completely agree with the need to revisit these taxes. The government should eliminate them on all consumables to reduce the costs for patients seeking treatment in private facilities,” he stated.
The recent closure of the renal unit was due to issues with tax declarations and related complications, resulting in vital supplies being held up at the port for almost three weeks. Ahenkorah expressed gratitude to the private sector for stepping in to help, which alleviated the potential rise in mortality rates.
Highlighting the steep costs of dialysis, with private centers charging between 700 to 1,000 cedis per session, Ahenkorah emphasized the urgent need for the government to remove taxes on these essential consumables to make treatment more accessible.
The Renal Patients Association is urging the government to take prompt action to address the difficulties faced by renal patients. By removing taxes on dialysis consumables, the government can help lessen the financial strain on patients and ensure they have access to life-saving care.
