Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen supports renal patients with GHS100K, urges gov’t to absorb full cost of dialysis care

The Ekosiisen Impact Project, an initiative under Asempa FM’s flagship current affairs programme Ekosiisen, has intensified its support for renal patients across Ghana, following a distress call from the Renal Patients Association of Ghana.

Responding swiftly to an SOS appeal from the Association’s President, Baffuor Kojo Ahenkorah, the team behind the Ekosiisen Impact Project has so far raised GHS100,000 to ease the financial burden of dialysis patients who continue to face life-threatening costs despite recent government interventions.

In 2024, the government of Ghana, through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), began covering the cost of two dialysis sessions per week for all patients in public health facilities, a move widely welcomed by kidney patients and their families. However, an additional and unavoidable expense remains: the cost of two essential injections.

Each dialysis patient is required to take Erythropoietin (EPO) before treatment to maintain adequate blood levels, and Iron Sucrose at the end of the session to keep haemoglobin levels stable. These two injections cost a minimum of GHS350 weekly, an expense that continues to push many patients to the brink, with some unable to afford the medication and succumbing to complications.

Targeted Relief for Over 370 Patients

Under the Ekosiisen Impact Project, funds have been mobilised to directly support these critical medical needs. So far, the team has channelled support to:

150 patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra

100 patients at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

120 patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi

The donations, presented in two tranches of GHS50,000 each, the first in March and the second in May 2025, are used to purchase the EPO and Iron Sucrose injections for the most vulnerable patients.

“The President of the Renal Patients Association, Baffuor Kojo Ahenkorah, received the support on behalf of the patients and ensured that the injections were purchased and distributed directly to members. Patients then take their injections along whenever they report for dialysis,” the project team lead, Osei Bonsu (OB), Programmes Manager of Asempa FM, and Host of Ekosiisen, explained.

Sustained Advocacy and Monthly Fundraising

The Ekosiisen Impact Project has also pledged to raise at least GHS50,000 every month to sustain this support until the government steps in to absorb the cost of the two life-saving injections.

Monthly on-air fundraising campaigns are held on Ekosiisen, where some renal patients join the show live to share their struggles and personal stories.

According to OB, the public response has been overwhelming, with listeners contributing generously to the cause. He commended listeners for their contributions to the project.

A Call to Government: Absorb the Full Cost

While acknowledging the government’s effort in paying for dialysis sessions, Ekosiisen is calling for the full absorption of the total cost of renal care, including the EPO and Iron Sucrose injections.

The Minister of Health has hinted that the government may consider covering the costs under the proposed Mahama Cares initiative, but the Ekosiisen team insists that this must be fast-tracked to prevent further loss of life.

Building on Impact

The Ekosiisen Impact Project, launched in 2024, has become a beacon of community support. Its first major intervention was the construction of a three-bedroom house for a young accident victim, a gesture that drew national attention and support.

The current focus on renal patients further reflects the project’s commitment to life-saving advocacy and direct social intervention.

As the initiative continues, Ekosiisen is appealing to the public and corporate bodies to join the monthly drive to sustain lives until a permanent policy solution is reached.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.