Capture psoriasis under NHIS; cost of treatment unbearable for patients

In commemoration of World Psoriasis Day 2024 on November 2, the Psoriasis Association of Ghana (PAG) held an awareness walk and educational forum themed “Psoriasis and the Family”.

This was to shed light on the significant impacts of psoriasis on patients and their loved ones.

During the event, attendees learned about preventive measures and the importance of treating those affected with compassion and respect.

The sessions highlighted the need to combat the stigma that often surrounds psoriasis and focused on providing families with the tools to support relatives affected by the disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches that can appear on various parts of the body.

While the disease affects both men and women, it is often misunderstood, leading to social stigma and limited access to affordable treatment.

“Depending on the condition of the patient, average cost ranges between 1500 to 2000 Ghana cedis per month, while those with severe cases pay GHS2500,” Ms Ruth Abekah stated.

She urged the government to address the financial burdens on psoriasis patients and ensure they receive adequate care through National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage.

Understanding Psoriasis: causes, symptoms, and treatment

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psoriasis is a lifelong condition that occurs due to an overactive immune system, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly.

While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unclear, genetic and environmental factors play a role.

Common triggers include stress, obesity, infections, certain medications, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Symptoms:
Symptoms vary in severity, ranging from mild irritation to thick, inflamed patches of skin that can cover large parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

•Red patches of skin with thick, silvery scales

•Dry or cracked skin that may bleed
•Itching, burning, or soreness
•Swollen and stiff joints in severe cases (psoriatic arthritis)

Preventive Measures:
While there is no cure for psoriasis, preventive steps can help minimize flare-ups and reduce symptoms. These include:

•Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise

•Managing stress levels, as stress is known to trigger flare-ups

•Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

•Using skin moisturizers and taking prescribed medications consistently

Treatment and Financial Burden
Psoriasis treatment typically involves a combination of topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications, depending on the severity.

However, the high costs make it unaffordable for many, especially citizens of lower and middle-income countries like Ghana.