KATH needs urgent 25 dialysis machines – CEO

The management of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has raised a significant concern regarding the urgent need for more dialysis machines to adequately serve the increasing number of patients seeking kidney treatment at the hospital.

This pressing issue has become particularly evident in the wake of a recent policy initiative by the government, which has led to a substantial rise in the number of patients requiring dialysis services.

KATH, located in Kumasi, is renowned for its comprehensive medical services, catering to a large population from various parts of the country, and serving as a referral facility to over 12 regions.

As one of the few facilities equipped to handle complex medical conditions such as kidney failure, the demand for dialysis treatment has always been high. However, in recent times, this demand has surged, largely due to an intervention by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which has subsidized dialysis sessions for renal patients.

Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, highlighted this growing challenge during a press briefing.

He pointed out that while the hospital is committed to improving its dialysis services, the current resources are insufficient to meet the escalating needs of the public.

According to Professor Addai-Mensah, the hospital is making concerted efforts to procure additional dialysis machines to cope with the increasing numbers of patients.

In his remarks, Professor Addai-Mensah emphasised that the hospital requires a total of 25 dialysis machines to fully complement the refurbished dialysis center.

“The hospital is making arrangements to buy six new dialysis machines, also from internally generated funds, our own funds, to buy these anesthesia machines. The challenge, however, is that we have also refurbished the dialysis center. The place is empty and we need a maximum of about 25 dialysis machines to complement it.

“Now the need for more dialysis machines has become dire. And it so because of a very good policy that has been rolled out by the government, people within a certain age bracket are enjoying free sessions and so on.”