Josiah
Dr. Ampomah Opoku Ware, the Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged parliament to accelerate the approval of a bill concerning organ transplantation. He emphasized the bill’s significance in saving the lives of numerous patients in need of vital organs.
Dr. Opoku Ware highlighted the considerable demand for organ transplants, particularly among renal patients, while lamenting the inadequate supply of donors. He expressed the sorrowful reality that many patients suffer and succumb to their conditions while awaiting suitable organs.
The CEO emphasized that the proposed bill aims to facilitate posthumous organ donation and establish a legal framework for transplantation. He stressed that such legislation would help bridge the gap between organ supply and demand, ensuring both ethical and safe practices.
Furthermore, Dr. Opoku Ware revealed the substantial debt of 2 million Ghanaian cedis faced by the Renal Unit at Korle Bu due to the low fees charged for their services. He called for increased support from the government and other stakeholders to sustain the unit’s operations.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing renal issues, Dr. Opoku Ware remarked, “It is high time we deliberate on renal issues and how we support them.”
Meanwhile, renal patients at the Bank Hospital urged the government to incorporate dialysis treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to alleviate their financial burdens. This request was made during a donation of 120,000 Ghanaian cedis by the Jospong Group of companies to support renal treatment across three hospitals, contributing to a total fund of 500,000 cedis.
Dr. Nsiah Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, had previously announced in August 2023 that the Ministry of Health had initiated the drafting of a law to regulate organ transplantation. Stressing its priority, he noted that an estimated 13% to 17% of Ghana’s population, equivalent to 4 million to 5.2 million people, are affected by some form of renal impairment.
