The Minority in Parliament is intensifying its call for the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) to reimburse patients for excessive and unauthorized dialysis fees charged at the Renal Unit’s outpatient department.
A recent notice from the head of the hospital’s dialysis unit had shocked the public by announcing a significant increase in the cost of renal dialysis, with fees rising from GHS¢380 to GHS¢765.42. This unexpected hike prompted widespread concern over the accessibility of this critical medical treatment.
However, the management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has clarified that the revised dialysis cost has not been officially implemented.
In a statement released and signed by the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minority in Parliament is now demanding immediate action.
Read the Minority’s statement below;
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
