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Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the government to swiftly eliminate import tariffs and taxes on medical supplies and equipment used in dialysis treatment within the country. This call comes in response to a recent spike in the cost of dialysis treatment at the Renal Dialysis Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where prices have risen by more than 100 percent.
Addressing an audience during an event commemorating the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged, Mr. Mahama criticized the government’s decision to burden patients with significantly higher treatment costs during the current economic challenges, describing it as insensitive. He also committed to provide relief for individuals suffering from various health conditions if elected into office in 2024.
“If given the opportunity, we pledge to alleviate the suffering of thousands of our citizens grappling with these illnesses. Just this week, there was widespread concern when the nation’s premier teaching hospital, Korle Bu, announced a 100 percent increase in charges for dialysis treatment, which threatens to place the cost of this essential treatment beyond the financial means of many patients and their families,” Mr. Mahama stated.
He further explained, “The justification provided by the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for this price hike primarily attributes it to increased taxes and duties on materials essential for dialysis treatment. As an immediate measure, I call upon the government to exempt medication and dialysis kits from taxes and duties to ensure the continued availability of this critical lifeline for patients whose survival hinges on these treatments.”
Source: Omanghana.com
