Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has said that the government's decision to put the free dialysis program under the newly formed Ghana Medical Trust, also known as Mahama Cares could prove the best solution to the dialysis crisis facing the country.

Alhaji Agongo, who founded the Sage Medical Center, a dialysis hospital in Accra, said many kidney disease patients lacked access to treatments due to funding and service availability, leading to needless complications and loss of lives.

His comments follow assurances by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Bampoe, last week that the NHIA would procure additional dialysis machines and essential consumables for healthcare facilities nationwide as part of efforts to expand access.

The expansion is in line with the government’s broader strategy to improve access to critical healthcare services, he said, adding that it planned to bring the program under the 'Mahama Cares' initiative.

Alhaji Agongo said that when fully operational, the Mahama Cares initiative could expand access to free dialysis services to all patients nationwide, bridging the access and capacity gaps while saving lives.

The businessman said currently, seven of the country's 13 regions, with about 5.7 million people, do not have dialysis centres, highlighting a significant gap in treatment availability.

"What it means is if you're a kidney patient in any of these seven regions, you have to travel to the other six regions for treatment or risk deterioration and early death."

"If you consider the fact that patients require dialysis three times a week to live, then you can imagine the additional pressure it takes for a renal patient to seek treatment in another region," he said.

The businessman added that it was critical for the government to partner with indigenous entrepreneurs with experience in the sector to help implement the Mahama Cares initiative.

Cost of dialysis

Alhaji Agongo founded the Sage Medical Center at East Legon in 2020 as a subsidiary of Alive Industry, a market leader in dialysis care and technology.

The company has since imported over 650 dialysis machines and provides treatments to an average of 10,000 patients every year.

He said he was moved by the plight of kidney patients to establish the Sage Medical Center to help expand access to quality care.

But after half a decade in the sector, he said he is convinced that private sector investment was inadequate to address the problem.

"When it comes to dialysis, access and capacity to pay are challenges. Every session costs GHS75,0 and every patient requires three sessions a week."

"Can you imagine the amount required on dialysis alone in a week, not to mention other expenses," he asked.

Therefore, the founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank Limited was hopeful that the Mahama Cares initiative, which aims to provide sustainable funding for healthcare, would help to expand free access to life-saving treatment for renal patients in the country.

He said this was critical to the welfare of Ghanaians, given the rising number of kidney-related diseases in the country.

Partnership

As of 2023, Sage Medical Center was one of 14 dialysis centres in the country serving a population of over 30 million people.

Alhaji Agongo said the dialysis unit is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the industry, utilising Nipro and Toray dialysis machines, known for their efficiency, precision, and patient safety.

"These machines are supported by a consistent and robust supply chain — with eight containers of dialysis consumables imported every month of components like bloodlines and fistula needles, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and the highest standards of care," he said

"What sets Sage apart is not just the numbers — but the quality of our care, the dedication of our professionals, and our ability to deliver consistently even in the face of rising demand," he said, adding that the centre was willing to partner the government to make the free dialysis program a success.

He also appealed to Ghanaians and specialists in renal health to join hands with the government to address the kidney disease challenges facing the country.