Korle Bu Teaching Hospital calls on Parliament to legalize organ donation and harvesting

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is appealing to Parliament to establish a legal framework that governs organ donation and harvesting in Ghana.

The KBTH has recently launched a kidney transplantation program, successfully conducting two surgeries in July 2023.

Previously, patients had limited options, either traveling abroad for treatment or relying on expensive dialysis sessions costing GHS 400 per session.

Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, CEO of KBTH, highlights the effectiveness and cost-saving benefits of transplantation, emphasizing the need for legislation to support and regulate the practice.

He states, “I am delighted that we have reached a stage where our local services can perform these procedures, eliminating the need to rely solely on foreign experts. We are not only focusing on kidney transplants but also exploring liver, cornea, and other organ transplants.”

Dr. Ampomah stresses the importance of enabling legislation to facilitate more transplantations, leading to improved patient outcomes and substantial cost savings for individuals and the country as a whole.

The KBTH Kidney Transplantation Program receives support from the First Skyy Group, which assists patients in covering the $21,000 cost per transplant.

Eric Seddy Kutortse, Executive Chairman of the First Skyy Group, explains their involvement, stating, “The Bible teaches us to have compassion for our fellow human beings. Moreover, we have been fortunate enough to accumulate wealth, and we believe it should be utilized to support humanitarian causes.”

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh