GH¢380 to GH¢765: Social media users react to increase in cost of dialysis at Korle Bu

Some Ghanaians on social media have been left bewildered by reports of an increase in the cost of dialysis treatment for patients with non-functioning kidneys in the nation’s premier hospital, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital KBTH).

They were reacting to a supposed notification by the management of the hospital that the cost of dialysis had been increased from GH¢380 to over GH¢765.

A notice by the head of unit reads “Cost of Dialysis has been increased from GH¢380 to over GH¢765.42”.

This is Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

This is one of the cheapest dialysis you can get in the country.

This is why we’re protesting. #OccupyJulorbiHouse pic.twitter.com/IfQN7oK95T

— Lexis (@niilexis) September 25, 2023

One Ghanaian on X (formerly known as Twitter) asked how people who need dialysis treatment are going to survive.

“My Goodness! How are people going to survive?… And this is KBTH where it is cheapest o ei,” he wrote.

Another Ghanaian on Facebook urged Ghanaians to protect their kidneys; saying, “I want to bring this to your attention. This is KBTH, the cheapest you can get in GH, Dialysis 765.42 cedis per session Guard your health, Appreciate your functional kidneys”.

“For proper context, you require 2-3 sessions weekly, not mentioning other expenses like your routine drugs, labs, transport to the centre, regular admissions and even your own personal living expenses! Terrible.

“I haven’t even mentioned the cost of the femoral/neckline etc. Wow!” he wrote.

View the reaction of Ghanaians below:

This was korle bu 5 years ago I bet you if you go to Korle bu today nothing has changed!!! You might thing you're privileged but just one health condition and you'll experience the effects of our bad health system!!! #OccupyJulorbiHouse https://t.co/7vjwApBiLf

— Seyram (@__theSeyram) September 23, 2023

This is the current price of dialysis at Korle Bu. A reminder to take good care of your kidneys. pic.twitter.com/V4UsbWUMSP

— Dr. George (@GeorgeAnagli) September 25, 2023

There is actually 100%+ increase on all services in Korle Bu! Ghana my motherland! #OccupJulorbiHouse https://t.co/U80Z3qlQjr

— Ani_bea (@ms_rhay) September 25, 2023