Public outrage is intensifying as the government’s delay in clearing essential dialysis consumables stuck at the Tema Port threatens the lives of kidney patients across the country.
The delay has compounded a crisis already marked by tragedy, with at least 17 Ghanaians losing their lives earlier this year following a short closure of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Unit due to a GHS 4 million debt.
The situation worsened in recent times, with three more deaths reported from kidney-related complications after the same unit was shut down again over a GHS 2 million debt.
These deaths underscore the fragility of Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly for those suffering from chronic conditions like kidney disease.
These tragic events have unfolded against a backdrop of repeated calls by stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups, urging the government to waive taxes on dialysis medications.
Despite the urgency of these appeals, there has been no substantive response from the government, leaving many to question its commitment to addressing the dire needs of the country’s most vulnerable patients.
The Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, in recent statement expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction.
The Association’s spokesperson, Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, warned that if the situation is not resolved promptly, the group will picket the Renal Unit on Wednesday, August 21, to demand urgent intervention.
“Many of us are living on borrowed time, and the government’s inaction is pushing us closer to the brink. The cost of treatment has become unbearably high due to the shortage of these vital supplies, placing many patients in life-threatening positions”.
Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, Spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Mr Ahenkora highlighted the grim reality facing renal patients in Ghana, lamenting that it’s very expensive for renal patients to afford treatment under the current economic condition.
“GH₵800 for a session. Most of us are supposed to do it twice or three times a week. Where are we going to get the money from? It’s only the government sector or Korle Bu that takes GH₵400, which is not even cheap, almost close to GH₵500 in a session.”
Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, Spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Crucial Consumable Stuck at Tema Port
The Spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital further decried that despite a partial release of some supplies, the crucial consumables needed for dialysis treatments remain stuck at the Tema Port.
Mr Ahenkora emphasized the dire need for these supplies, noting that without them, many patients will not survive.
“The consumables are in the country, which is why they were able to release the 20-footer container that contains part of the consumables we need. But the main one that we need at the cabin where we are standing right now is still at the port”.
Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, Spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
In an ardent call to action, Kojo Baffour Ahenkora called on the government, particularly the Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the Finance Ministry, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) boss, to intervene immediately.
He underscored the Association’s members’ readiness to take drastic action if the supplies are not released by Wednesday.
“If not, then by Wednesday, we are picketing here. All the Renal Dialysis patients are coming to sleep here until we receive the consumables from Tema Port because we cannot keep on going through this thing”.
Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, Spokesperson for the Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
This looming protest underscores the gravity of the crisis and the desperation of the patients, who have been left with no other recourse but to publicly demand their right to life-saving treatment.
The government’s continued inaction not only exacerbates the suffering of these patients but also raises serious questions about its priorities and commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.
The government must therefore act swiftly to clear these essential supplies and address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis before more lives are lost.
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