Invest $5M In GHS Rebranding Into The Renal Unit Of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital – Concerned Citizens of Ghana

Ideally, we think the $5 million meant to rebrand the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is not a step in the right direction when renal patients seeking dialysis treatment are in an uncomfortable crisis.

Although the renal unit at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has resumed services for patients, we must prioritize as a nation.
Since May 22, 2023, the unit had been inaccessible to outpatients, compelling them to seek dialysis services elsewhere, mainly in private healthcare facilities.

For example, a partial reopening took place on September 27, coupled with an announcement of an increase in the cost of dialysis treatment per session from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42.
However, following a public outcry, this price hike was rolled back, and the unit remained closed to outpatients.

The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, should call for an investment of the $5 million into the Renal unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to put it in good shape, fit for addressing the health needs of patients who battle kidney and other renal diseases in Ghana.
Looking at how the Renal Patient Association of Ghana welcomed the move by the Ministry of Health and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to reopen the renal unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to outpatients tells it all.

The opening of the renal unit should not just be the case but a huge investment to keep it on its feet.
It is not surprising that the association has indicated that the move has brought its members ‘a big relief’ as they can now go for their dialysis sessions and live their normal lives.

It is more urgent to channel the $5 million GHS rebranding into making the Renal unit a better place. It is not funny that the Association of Persons Suffering from Renal (Kidney) Failure, popularly known as dialysis, said 14 of its members had died following the shutdown of the Renal Unit at the Korle-bu Teaching hospital (KBTH).

In the first place, is it not dire for the health authorities of the Hospital to shut down the Unit due to a shortage of renal consumables and even appeal to the government to come to the aid of the Unit?

Renal diseases, including kidney failure, are a significant health concern in Ghana. The Renal Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital plays a vital role in providing life-saving treatment to patients suffering from renal conditions.

Renal investment

By investing in this unit, we can directly address a critical healthcare need that impacts the lives of many Ghanaians.
Channeling the $5 million GHS rebranding into KTH Renal Unit will save lives.

The government and Ghana as a whole can’t run away from the fact that kidney diseases can be life-threatening, and dialysis or renal transplantation are often the only treatment options.

Allocating funds to the Renal Unit can help save lives by improving the quality of care and expanding access to these crucial treatments. As concerned citizens, the Renal Unit that needs about $3 million to jump back to its feet should be the priority. Investing in the Renal Unit can have an immediate and tangible impact on patients’ lives.

Additionally, it can lead to the purchase of essential medical equipment, the taking care of specialized staff, and the expansion of treatment capacity, all of which directly benefit those in need.
It will show the government’s public health priority. Renal diseases are a public health priority, and addressing this issue aligns with the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

That is why the $5 million GHS REBRANDING is not necessary in these trying times. The investment of the renal unit will demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the population.
Utilizing the $5 million for a Renal Unit upgrade demonstrates responsible fiscal management. Rebranding the Ghana Health Service may be seen as a lower priority, especially when there are pressing healthcare needs, like kidney patients that require immediate attention.

Enhancing the Renal Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital not only benefits kidney patients but also strengthens the overall healthcare infrastructure. It improves the hospital’s capabilities and can indirectly contribute to better healthcare services across the board. Having said that, prioritizing healthcare over rebranding can garner public support and trust. Citizens are likely to view the government favorably when they see investments being made in critical areas of healthcare. We shouldn’t forget the 2024 general elections are just around the corner.

We believe that allocating the $5 million to the Renal Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over rebranding the Ghana Health Service is a decision that reflects a commitment to saving lives, addressing pressing healthcare needs, and responsibly managing public funds. It demonstrates the government’s dedication to public health and the well-being of its citizens, particularly dialysis patients.