The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of condemning renal patients to death.
According to the NDC MPs, decision by government to slap taxes on essential medical supplies including reagents has driven the cost of treatments such as dialysis through the roof.
Ghana’s premier referral hospital Korle Bu had to make a U-turn on the decision to increase the cost of dialysis by 100% following public backlash.
Speaking to Starr News a member of the Health Committee of Parliament and a medical practitioner, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare accused the government of failing to invest in getting enough dialysis centers across the country.
The DBI MP further asked government to consider putting treatment of renal diseases on the NHIS to reduce the burden on patients while blaming the inability of government to fight galamsey on the increased cases of kidney diseases.
Earlier, in a statement the Minority in Parliament demanded that with immediate effect the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital refunds the excess illegal fees it levied on dialysis patient at the outpatient department of its Renal Unit.
“Although this may not be enough restitution to placate patients who may have suffered needlessly from the hospital’s earlier decision, refunds in terms of cash or an offer to provide dialysis services to offset the difference between the original and adjusted prices is the right thing to do and will go a long way to demonstrate to patients that the hospital is sensitive to their plight and is willing to do right by them,” the ranking member on Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated.
Below is the full statement from the Minority
REFUND ILLEGAL DIALYSIS FEES TO AFFECTED PATIENTS OF THE KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL’S RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT – MINORITY DEMANDS
The Minority in Parliament demands that with immediate effect the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital refunds the excess illegal fees it levied on dialysis patient at the outpatient department of its Renal Unit.
Although this may not be enough restitution to placate patients who may have suffered needlessly from the hospital’s earlier decision, refunds in terms of cash or an offer to provide dialysis services to offset the difference between the original and adjusted prices is the right thing to do and will go a long way to demonstrate to patients that the hospital is sensitive to their plight and is willing to do right by them.
We have taken note that our timely intervention calling on hospital authorities to reverse the unauthorized and illegal increase in dialysis fees has led to the hospital acknowledging that the fees were prematurely adjusted, not having gone through the necessary steps required for such adjustments. Therefore, we expect an immediate return to the previous fee structure.
Beyond addressing the immediate concerns, we firmly believe that Korle Bu, as a reputable healthcare institution, must undertake comprehensive institutional reforms. These reforms should aim to prevent the recurrence of such avoidable mistakes. It is imperative to establish robust structures and processes that guarantee transparency, accountability, and oversight within the hospital’s financial operations. This will not only enhance patient trust but also ensure that the hospital operates efficiently and effectively.
Government must also work towards automating the exemptions regime for the procurement of health consumables and equipment to do away with the current system where health facilities are required to apply to the Minister responsible for Finance for duty waivers and exemptions for each import consignment. The current situation is unacceptable considering the advances we claim to have been instituted at our ports.
In conclusion, we will like to call on government to consider working assiduously to ensure equitable distribution of health resources and equipment such as dialysis machines across the country. We believe that in 2023, every district hospital should at the very least have one dialysis machine available to persons living within that district.
We want to assure the people of Ghana of our unwavering commitment to championing the needs of ordinary citizens under this government. Together, we can build a healthcare system that serves the best interests of all.
Thank you, and may God bless our beloved homeland Ghana.
—signed—
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
(Ranking Member – Parliamentary Select Committee on Health)
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
