The Health Committee of Parliament has expressed strong condemnation over the abrupt closure of the Renal Unit at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This decision has led to the tragic deaths of three kidney patients.
The unit was shut down nearly two weeks ago, with no official explanation provided, prompting widespread outrage.
Baffour Ahenkorah, President of the Kidney Patients Association, confirmed the deaths, attributing them directly to the unit’s closure.
The lack of communication surrounding the shutdown has exacerbated concerns and frustration among patients and their families.
Alexander Roosevelt, Member of Parliament for Central Tongu and a member of the Health Committee, voiced his shock and disappointment in an interview with Citi News.
He recalled recent actions by the National Insurance Authority (NIA), which had requested and reportedly secured 2 million cedis to support kidney patients under 18 and those over 60.
The NIA had also announced the release of an additional 2 million cedis to cover the bills of renal patients at Korle-Bu.
“It is surprising to hear that the closure was primarily due to a lack of medical supplies,” Roosevelt said.
“The National Insurance Authority’s assurances about the funds allocated to the Korle-Bu Hospital now appear questionable. This situation raises serious doubts about the accuracy of the information provided by the NIA.”
Roosevelt criticized the current state of the healthcare system, questioning how such critical issues could be mismanaged while political figures continued to make lofty promises.
“This is a dire situation,” he added. “We cannot afford to disregard the health of our people. It’s a matter that demands urgent attention and resolution.”
