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“Over 90% of Ghanaian kidney failure patients who should receive dialysis are not getting it”
Over 90% of Ghanaian kidney failure patients who desperately need dialysis are being denied access to this life-saving treatment.
This is according to a yet to be published study titled “Fifty years of haemodialysis in Ghana – current status, utilization, and cost of dialysis services”.
This study authored by Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor and his dedicated team of caregivers has unveiled statistics that expose the harsh reality of the situation.
The report reveals alarming figures. In Ghana, the overall dialysis prevalence is just 38.8 patients per million population. To put it simply, only 38.8 out of every 1 million Ghanaians are receiving dialysis treatment. This prevalence rate falls far below not just the African average (79 per million) but also the global average (296 per million).
In fact, Ghana’s rate is even lower than the average for other low and middle-income countries, which stand at 68 per million. These numbers paint a bleak picture, indicating that many Ghanaian patients in dire need of dialysis are unable to access this critical treatment.
Global estimates suggest that Ghana should have around 15,400 patients requiring dialysis. However, the current number of patients receiving dialysis is 1,195. This represents 7.8% of the estimated demand for this life-saving treatment. The rest, a staggering over 90%, are left grappling with a lack of access to the care they need to survive.
Dialysis centres, though desperately needed, are grappling with limited capacity. The median number of patients per centre is just 20. However, despite these constraints, most centres are operating at or even over maximum capacity to meet the overwhelming demand.
The quality of dialysis care in Ghana is also under threat. A significant factor affecting quality is the limited nephrology workforce. Ghana has only 0.44 nephrologists per million population, well below the global average for low and middle-income countries (1.6 per million).
The shortage of nephrologists directly impacts the quality of care, with 57.5% of dialysis centres in Ghana lacking a resident or visiting nephrologist. Without specialized kidney care doctors, it is challenging to adequately monitor patients and provide appropriate treatment.
Adding to the crisis is the exorbitant cost of dialysis treatment in Ghana. The mean cost per dialysis session is a daunting $53.9. While public centres offer a glimmer of hope with a lower cost of $48.2 per session, private facilities charge $56.7 on average, approximately 18% more.
For the average Ghanaian, where the monthly minimum wage hovers around a meagre $55.70, these costs represent a staggering financial burden. The National Health Insurance Scheme, designed to provide a safety net, does not cover dialysis costs, leaving most patients to pay fully out-of-pocket.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
