The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee and MP for Joaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has refuted claims that Parliament approved the new, higher dialysis treatment fees set by Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
He clarified that Parliament had pushed for the elimination of taxes on dialysis reagents.
This statement comes after KBTH increased the cost of dialysis from GH¢380 to GH¢491, sparking considerable concern among the Renal Patients Association of Ghana.
The Association stressed the significant financial challenges this increase poses to patients, exacerbating the difficulties faced by those already struggling to afford the previous rate.
During an interview with Citi FM, Akandoh emphasized that the intention was never to approve a rise in fees but to make dialysis more accessible by removing taxes on necessary reagents.
He expressed surprise at the media reports suggesting Parliament had sanctioned the fee hike and assured that steps would be taken promptly to address the issue.