Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has commissioned a GH¢4 million expanded dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa to improve access to life-saving kidney care for residents across northern Ghana.
The project, undertaken in partnership with Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD), the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and development partners, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, August 4.
The expansion adds six new dialysis machines, supporting equipment and staff training to the hospital’s renal unit, significantly increasing its capacity to treat patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The facility is expected to serve patients from the Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East and Bono regions, reducing the need for long and costly journeys to Accra and Kumasi for dialysis treatment.
Speaking at the commissioning, Speaker Bagbin described the project as an important step towards achieving equitable healthcare and ensuring that people are not denied specialist medical services because of where they live.
He said the investment would bring hope to patients and families battling kidney disease and reaffirmed his commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in the Upper West Region and beyond.
SHEILD Board Director, Dr. Sylvie Anie, said the expanded unit represents more than infrastructure, describing it as a lifeline for patients who have struggled for years to access specialised renal care.
She said the organisation remains committed to strengthening healthcare systems and improving equitable access to quality medical services across Ghana.
Another SHEILD Board Director, Dr. John Nkrumah Mills, said the project demonstrates the impact of strategic partnerships in transforming healthcare delivery, adding that sustainable healthcare requires investment in infrastructure, skilled personnel and continuous capacity building.
Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr. Philip K. K. Baabiineh, said the expansion would significantly improve the hospital’s ability to provide timely, high-quality renal care and reduce the burden on patients and their families.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with government’s efforts to expand specialist healthcare services and reduce regional disparities in access to treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 674 million people worldwide, with the burden particularly high in low- and middle-income countries.
In Ghana, more than 4,000 people are estimated to die annually from kidney disease, while fewer than 500 dialysis machines serve the country’s growing patient population. The cost of treatment remains prohibitive for many, with patients requiring between GH¢1,200 and GH¢3,000 for three dialysis sessions each week.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations and community representatives.
