Korle-Bu’s Increase in Dialysis Fee Justified – Prof. Frimpong-Boateng
Founder of the National Cardiothoracic Center in Accra, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, has expressed his support for Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s (KBTH) decision to raise the cost of dialysis treatments.
This decision, announced by KBTH’s Renal unit on Wednesday, September 27, generated concern among Ghanaians as it intends to increase the price per dialysis session from Ghc 380 to GHc 756.42.
Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng emphasised the substantial expenses associated with the necessary inputs for dialysis treatment.
He explained, “The hospital is justified in increasing the cost of dialysis. The inputs are very expensive. If it costs about GHc 800 to GHc 1000 to render a service, you can’t charge GHc 380 or GHc 400.”
He further acknowledged the financial challenges this might pose for many individuals, but he also pointed out, “I must admit that most people cannot afford it, but somebody has to pay for it. It is not the fault of the hospital; they are not going to make a profit out of it.”
KBTH has stressed that maintaining the old dialysis prices would result in the facility’s closure, highlighting the urgency of this adjustment.
It is worth noting that Ghana currently boasts a total of 14 dialysis centres, with 7 being publicly operated and 7 privately owned. Among these, 8 are located in the Greater Accra Region, 3 in the Ashanti Region, with one each in the Northern, Eastern, and Western Regions.
