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| (Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, CEO of NHIA) |
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has put forth potential measures for the government to consider in alleviating the substantial financial burdens faced by renal patients. He emphasized the overwhelming cost of dialysis for individuals grappling with kidney-related ailments, recognizing that a vast majority may find it exceedingly challenging to cover these expenses independently.
In a dialogue with JoyNews, Dr. Boye asserted, “As a country, I can tell you boldly, if we are committed we can pay totally for kidney care." He articulated this as a foundation for exploring systemic solutions to address the financial strain on renal patients.
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Delving into actionable steps for the government to mitigate the financial challenges encountered by kidney patients, Dr. Boye outlined several proposals:
1. Political Commitment to Funding and Streamlining NHIS:
Dr. Boye stressed the need for consistent political support in funding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), drawing attention to Kenya's provision of financial coverage for kidney transplants. He advocated for a more direct allocation of funds to bolster kidney care and other similar chronic conditions.
READ ALSO: NHIS Needs To Be Renovated - Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong
2. Levies and Specialized Funds:
Dr. Boye suggested the imposition of specific levies, such as a syntax tax on select products targeted at specific consumer classes. The generated funds from these levies could contribute to dedicated funds, such as a chronic disease fund or a peripheral disease fund, aimed at subsidizing medical expenses. This approach is envisioned to lessen the financial load on individuals seeking kidney care.
3. Tax Exemptions and Direct Procurement:
Another proposition involved exempting taxes on essential items relevant to kidney care. Dr. Boye recommended the government's direct procurement of crucial consumables, thereby mitigating the cost impact on patients.
READ ALSO: "Funding Gaps For HIV/AIDS Treatment Must Be Closed Immediately" - Ghana AIDS Commission
These suggested strategies align with ongoing discussions surrounding the enhancement of renal services, particularly in the wake of the prolonged closure of the Korle Bu renal unit. While there have been suggestions to integrate renal services into the NHIS, concerns have surfaced regarding the scheme's financial capacity to accommodate such an expansion.
Dr. Boye disclosed the formation of a five-member committee tasked with formulating recommendations to sustain the renal unit, signifying a proactive step towards charting a viable path forward in the provision of renal care.
The insights shared by Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye reflect a commitment to proactively address the financial challenges confronting renal patients and emphasize the urgency of sustainable solutions to ensure vital healthcare accessibility for those in need.
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