Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed an extension of the government’s dialysis subsidy to include private health facilities.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a 13-member governing board for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund—popularly known as “Mahama Cares.” The fund is a flagship initiative aimed at providing financial support for the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.
Under the new directive, the government will cover GH₵500 of the cost per dialysis session for patients receiving treatment at private hospitals, aligning with the current subsidy provided at public health institutions.
“The current arrangement for dialysis payment in public facilities covers up to GH₵500 per session,” Mr. Akandoh explained. “We have observed that many patients also seek treatment in private hospitals. To ensure equity, the President has instructed that the same subsidy be extended to private centres.”
He added: “So, for example, if a private facility charges GH₵1,000 per session, the government will pay GH₵500, and the patient will cover the rest. The CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority has been directed to implement this policy accordingly.”
The Health Minister also used the occasion to call on corporate bodies and individuals to support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund through donations and partnerships.
“We cannot do it all alone. Government collaboration with corporate Ghana is essential,” he stated, acknowledging companies such as the Telecel Group and several banks for their early support.
The policy shift is expected to ease the financial burden on dialysis patients and improve access to life-saving treatment across both public and private healthcare sectors.
