Mahama calls on the government to eliminate taxes on dialysis supplies.
John Dramani Mahama, a former president of Ghana, has urged the government to immediately eliminate import duties and levies on supplies used for dialysis therapy.
This is in response to a recent increase in the price of dialysis treatment by more than 100% at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit.
Mr. Mahama called the government’s decision to charge patients high healthcare charges in the wake of the recent economic crisis “insensitive” while speaking at a celebration of the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged.
When elected to office in 2024, Mr. Mahama also promised to give treatment for sufferers of a variety of illnesses.
“Given the chance, we’ll help thousands of our compatriots who are suffering from these conditions. The nation’s top teaching hospital, Korle Bu, recently announced a 100 percent rise in the cost of dialysis treatment, causing outrage and putting the therapy’s cost beyond the means of many patients and their families.
“According to the explanation I’ve read from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the decision to raise the price by 100% was made in response to a rise in taxes and levies on products used in dialysis therapy. To safeguard this vital lifeline for patients whose lives depends on these treatments, I call on the government to immediately exempt medication and kits for dialysis therapy from taxes and tariffs.