‘Mahama Cares’ can be the best solution to Ghana’s dialysis crisis – Seidu Agongo

Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo believes the government’s new free dialysis program could solve Ghana's dialysis crisis. This program is under the Ghana Medical Trust, also known as Mahama Cares.

Alhaji Agongo founded the Sage Medical Centre in Accra. He noted that many kidney disease patients struggle to access treatment. Limited funding and services lead to complications and loss of lives.

His comments follow assurances from Dr. Victor Bampoe, CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). He stated that NHIA would procure more dialysis machines and consumables nationwide. This expansion aims to improve access to critical healthcare services through Mahama Cares.

Agongo said Mahama Cares could provide free dialysis services nationwide when fully operational. Currently, seven out of 13 regions lack dialysis centers, affecting about 5.7 million people. Patients in these regions must travel far for treatment or risk serious health issues.

He emphasized that kidney patients need dialysis three times a week. Traveling long distances adds pressure on these patients seeking treatment.

Agongo urged the government to partner with local entrepreneurs experienced in healthcare to support Mahama Cares.

Cost of Dialysis

Alhaji Agongo established Sage Medical Centre in East Legon in 2020. The center is part of Alive Industry, a leader in dialysis care and technology. It has imported over 650 machines and treats around 10,000 patients annually.

He was inspired by kidney patients' struggles to create Sage Medical Centre for better care access. However, he believes private investment alone cannot solve the problem after five years in the sector.

Dialysis presents both access and affordability challenges, he explained. Each session costs GHȼ750, with patients needing three sessions weekly.

He highlighted the financial burden this places on families beyond just dialysis costs.

Sage Medical Centre uses advanced technology like Nipro and Toray machines for efficient patient care. They import eight containers of consumables monthly to ensure uninterrupted service.

Agongo expressed hope that Mahama Cares would provide sustainable funding for renal treatment access across Ghana. He stressed this initiative is vital due to rising kidney disease cases nationwide.

Partnership

As of 2023, Sage Medical Centre is one of only 14 dialysis centers serving over 30 million people in Ghana.

Agongo mentioned their commitment to quality care amid increasing demand for services at Sage Medical Centre. He is open to partnering with the government for a successful free dialysis program.

He also called on Ghanaians and renal health specialists to collaborate with the government on addressing kidney disease challenges in the country.