By Samuel Ansah Boateng
Nana Nketia, a traditional herbal advocate and member of the African Chamber of Content Producers as part of his health campaign, has inspired several private hospitals to reduce their service charges in response to his call for affordable medical care.
Nketia’s advocacy, which began with a focus on making hernia surgery and dialysis costs affordable, has led to reductions in the costs of both hernia surgeries and dialysis treatments across the country.
Two private hospitals have notably taken action in response to Nketia’s appeal.
The Agnes Ofori Community Hospital in Kasoa announced an impressive 70% reduction in the cost of hernia surgeries, while Banahene Specialist Hospital has reduced their dialysis costs by 25%, offering relief to kidney patients who struggle to afford essential treatments.
Adzi Nafis, Research and Development Officer of Banahene Specialist Hospital, explained that although their services were already affordable compared to other private hospitals, Nketia’s advocacy spurred them to further reduce their dialysis charges.
“Nana Nketia’s appeal made us re-evaluate our pricing,” Nafis stated. “With this reduction, we aim to save more lives. With support from donor partners and other agencies, we are ready to do even more to help suffering Ghanaians.”
Nana Nketia’s campaign initially focused on the accessibility of hernia treatment, a condition that disproportionately affects Ghanaians involved in physically demanding jobs, such as farming, fishing, and construction.
According to Nketia, hernias can also impact women post-pregnancy due to vein strain. Through his research, he found that a growing number of Ghanaians cannot afford these basic healthcare procedures, and he has been actively petitioning private hospitals to make surgeries more accessible.
Agnes Ofori Community Hospital was one of the first to respond. Partnering with Humserve Africa Foundation, the hospital was able to cut the cost of hernia surgery by 70%, even making the procedure more affordable than at some government facilities.
George Egeh, Managing Director of Agnes Ofori Hospital, acknowledged the critical role Nketia’s advocacy played in their decision to make healthcare more accessible. “When Nana Nketia approached us, we knew we had to find a solution.
Thanks to Humserve Africa’s support, we’re reducing costs and even exploring options to offer free surgeries for those unable to pay.”
Nana Nketia expressed his gratitude to both hospitals for their commitment to healthcare reform, celebrating the reduction in service costs as a major victory for Ghanaians, especially those working in labor-intensive jobs.
“This is a victory for hardworking Ghanaians. It’s unjust for people to suffer because they cannot afford treatment, as part of my research, I have observed a rise in kidney diseases and the difficulties in affording dialysis costs. I therefore commend these hospitals for making compassionate, affordable healthcare a priority,” he stated.
Through tireless efforts, Nketia continues to advocate for a nationwide shift towards affordable healthcare, urging private institutions to follow the lead of Agnes Ofori and Banahene hospitals.
His ongoing campaign seeks not only to alleviate the financial burdens on individuals but also to establish long-term reforms that guarantee accessible, quality healthcare across Ghana.
Humserve Africa, a non-profit public health advocate, has also been integral to this movement, championing quality healthcare for all and supporting initiatives like those inspired by Nketia.
Their collaboration with Agnes Ofori Hospital exemplifies their dedication to making healthcare accessible for all Ghanaians.
Nana Nketia’s advocacy has sparked a movement, transforming Ghana’s healthcare landscape and setting a powerful precedent for compassionate service within the private healthcare sector.
