Patients at the Renal dialysis unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital have bemoaned the high cost of dialysis treatment and are calling for the government’s intervention as well as support from individuals and philanthropists.
According to the patients the cost of dialysis and other kidney disease treatment at the facility was unbearable hence the appeal to help reduce more deaths.
Statistics at the renal dialysis unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital indicate that, 37 patients died at the facility whiles 78 counseled patients could not afford treatment in 2019.
The unit however was able to help 40 patients recover from kidney failures last year.
Speaking to Diamond news in an interview as the world kidney day is being marked; some of the patients at the facility lamented that dialysis at the TTH cost about 350 Ghana cedis per a session.
In addition, patients needed three periods per week alongside other treatments.
The patients therefore appealed to government and management of the National Health insurance scheme to consider absorbing some portions of the treatment cost to enable many people have access to kidney treatment.
A Senior Nursing officer at the Renal Dialysis Unit Awal Issahaku explained that, there is a high chance for persons suffering from acute kidney disease to recover as compared to persons suffering from chronic kidney disease.
He therefore urged the public to do regularly checkups for earlier detection to avoid complications and ensure early recovery since the kidney disease can affect people of all ages.
Awal Issahaku, said among other reasons, the world kidney day is to raise awareness on the importance of the kidney and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide.
In Ghana, the 2020 World Kidney Day was hosted in the Eastern region.
The Renal Dialysis Unit of TTH similarly, organized a free screening exercise to commemorate the day.
The day was celebrated under the theme; “Kidney health for everyone everywhere- from prevention to detection and equitable access to care”.
World Kidney Day is observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March.
Source: Edward A. Ken-Zorre | www.diamondfmonline.com | Ghana
