Korle Bu CEO Urges Ghanaians to Access Free Dialysis and Sickle Cell Treatment Under NHIS
Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has called on Ghanaians living with kidney and sickle cell diseases to take full advantage of the government’s free dialysis and sickle cell treatment programmes. All patients need to do is present their national health insurance cards to receive these treatment services at no cost.
While Dr. Adam did not specify exactly when the free dialysis service began at KBTH, he confidently confirmed that patients now access dialysis without any charge—simply by showing their NHIS card.
Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament recently, Dr. Adam revealed that the free dialysis programme followed a successful pilot phase in late 2024, after which the government allocated funds to allow the hospital to offer kidney treatments free of charge. The nationwide programme was officially launched on December 1, 2024, by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Though many kidney patients have reported difficulties accessing free dialysis at KBTH, the hospital CEO acknowledged that while the process may be challenging, the service itself is indeed free once patients provide the necessary IDs and follow hospital procedures.
Beyond dialysis, Dr. Adam highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on dialysis through organ transplantation. In 2025 alone, Korle Bu has successfully performed about six kidney transplants, with plans to expand this service further. The hospital management is currently working on a policy to regulate organ transplantation, backed by a pending bill aimed at providing legal support for this crucial treatment option.
Dr. Adam expressed optimism that organ transplant services will become more widespread, ensuring that affected patients receive timely and effective care.
In summary, with the support of the government and the NHIS, KBTH is providing vital, free healthcare services to improve the lives of Ghanaians suffering from renal and sickle cell conditions. Patients are encouraged to visit the hospital with their NHIS cards to benefit from these lifesaving treatments.