Upward adjustment in dialysis costs at the renal unit was premature

Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, the CEO of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has acknowledged that the recent increase in dialysis costs at the renal unit was premature and resulted from a breach in the review process, which the hospital is now addressing.

Dr. Ampomah explained that the notice announcing the cost increase was posted prematurely, and there was a need for a review of the charges due to changes in exchange rates and other factors. He emphasized, “Yes, a notice went up but unfortunately, that was a premature notice or it was a bit of jumping the gun. The fact of the matter is that our current charges for renal dialysis were set some years ago and obviously, with changes in the exchange rate, et cetera, there needs to be a review.”
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital had raised the cost of renal dialysis from GHS¢380 to GHS¢765.42, causing concerns among the public regarding the affordability of this life-saving treatment.

During an interview with Dr. Randy Abbey on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the CEO of the hospital outlined the review process involved. He explained that the unit in question would propose a review after assessing its input costs. This proposal would then go through various stages of scrutiny, including the head of the medical department and the director of medical affairs. Ultimately, if justified, the proposal would be passed to Parliament through the Ministry of Health for approval under the Fees and Charges Act. Only after a 21-day waiting period could the new rates be applied.

Dr. Ampomah clarified that the notice that had circulated on social media had not even reached the management level, and it was a premature communication. The hospital had communicated internally to the unit involved, emphasizing the need to follow the proper review process.

He acknowledged that there is currently an under-recovery of costs in the renal dialysis unit and that discussions were underway with stakeholders to find ways to mitigate the impact on patients. Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah assured that there would be a review of renal dialysis costs, but the extent of the increase seen on social media was still under scrutiny. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to balancing the need for quality service with ensuring that patients are not burdened unnecessarily, especially given the shift to paying in Euros over the last two years.

Source: Omanghana.com