The price factor: A barrier to accessible dialysis
The cost of dialysis treatment is a significant barrier to its accessibility. In Ghana, a single dialysis session can cost between GH¢250 to GH¢400, translating to about GH¢3,000 to GH¢4,800 per month for the recommended thrice-weekly sessions. This is a hefty sum in a country where the average monthly income is around GH¢2,070.
The high price is attributed to several factors, including the cost of dialysis machines, consumables, and highly skilled healthcare professionals. Additionally, the lack of local manufacturing capacity for dialysis equipment and consumables means these items need to be imported, adding to their cost.
The price barrier is further exacerbated by the limited health insurance coverage for dialysis in Ghana. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) only covers a fraction of the cost, leaving patients to bear the brunt of the expense.
The profit motive: A driver of innovation and efficiency
While the profit motive often gets a bad rap, it can be a powerful driver of innovation and efficiency. Private sector involvement in dialysis treatment can bring much-needed resources, expertise and innovation to the sector.
For instance, private companies can invest in research and development to create more affordable and efficient dialysis machines and consumables. They can also introduce process efficiencies that can help reduce costs. For example, Fresenius Medical Care – a global leader in dialysis care, has developed cost-effective dialysis machines and introduced process efficiencies through its vertically integrated model.
Moreover, private sector involvement can spur competition, which can lead to better services and lower prices. The entry of new players into the dialysis market can challenge existing providers to improve their services and reduce their prices.
Balancing price and profit: The role of regulation
Effective regulation is the key to balancing the price and profit motive in dialysis treatment. The government must actively regulate the sector to ensure that profit motives do not compromise patient care.
This could involve price controls or subsidies to make dialysis more affordable. However, such measures must be carefully designed to avoid discouraging private sector involvement or stifling innovation.
The government can also encourage competition by reducing barriers to entry for new players, and promoting transparency in pricing. This can help drive down prices and improve service quality.
Looking ahead: The path to affordable and sustainable dialysis in Ghana
The price-profit conundrum in dialysis treatment in Ghana is complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, with concerted efforts from all stakeholders, creating a dialysis sector that is affordable for patients and sustainable for providers is possible.
This would involve a multi-pronged approach that includes cost reduction strategies, increased private sector involvement, and effective regulation. It would also require a commitment to patient-centric care, where patients’ needs and welfare are at the heart of all decisions.
The journey is long and fraught with challenges. Still, the potential rewards – improved access to life-saving dialysis treatment, enhanced patient outcomes, and a healthier Ghana – are well worth the effort.
The writer is the founder of Nimdier, a Change Management Company | Ex-Global Board Member, ACMP
Email: [email protected]
Website: nimdier.com
