In a major stride to improve healthcare access and reduce mortality rates, Sustainable Health Education and Interventions (SHEILD) NGO, Enterprise Group PLC, Volta River Authority (VRA), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Kalmoni Foundation, Revna Biosciences and individual sponsors have collaborated to establish a kidney dialysis centre at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong.

The dialysis centre, unveiled on Friday, 2 May 2025, will enhance end-stage renal failure management in the Eastern Region and surrounding areas, where over 300,000 people suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) yet face severely limited treatment options.

Chronic kidney disease claims over 4,000 lives annually in Ghana, with fewer than 400 dialysis machines serving the entire country. These machines are concentrated in just 9 of Ghana's 16 regions, forcing patients to travel long distances for treatment.

The GHS 5.8 million Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital Dialysis Centre project, spearheaded by SHEILD, is initially equipped with four advanced dialysis units with a treatment facility installed, including tubing, blood, dialysate and anticoagulant pumps, dialysers, monitors, and a water purification system.

In addition, the facility has a new out-house and waiting area sponsored by Enterprise Group PLC.

However, treatment is not cheap; hence, the launch of the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital Dialysis Fund to support vulnerable and marginalised patients.

Speaker of Parliament, the Alban Bagbin, stated,“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition”.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, underscored the urgent need for a sustainable and reliable financing mechanism to support challenges posed by chronic kidney disease.

He commended SHEILD for recognising this and for taking urgent action.

Mr. Akandoh pledged the support of the Ministry of Health and other agencies to ensure the efficient running of the facility to save lives.

The MP for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, expressed delight that this dialysis centre will serve a critical role in the provision of kidney care – this is a major first step for Akuapem North.

Mr. Awuku applauded the efforts of SHEILD NGO, officials of the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, corporate and individual sponsors, as well as traditional leaders and indigenes who made the facility a reality.

Chairman of SHEILD, Mr Godfried Nyante, remarked that “this journey would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders, including the private sector. Social responsibility was evident and helped us achieve results.”

Board Member of SHEILD, Dr. Sylvia Anie, FRSC FRSM, commented, “Our vision is to promote equity and access to efficient and effective healthcare. This should be the norm for everyone, everywhere. The Board is particularly pleased that this is an indigenous initiative.

The Medical Superintendent of Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Dr. Kofi Ablorh, said, “Patients will no longer have to travel long distances for treatment, thus improving their well-being. We can reduce the financial burden on patients and their families by providing dialysis services locally.”