•Ministry statistics shows that 661 kidney transplants have been carried out in the country since 2006
•Some patients opt for dialysis instead of transplant because the high cost of the life-long drugs needed after transplant
Image: HANDOUT
Image: HANDOUT
The renal unit at the Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital will double the number of dialysis patients attended to in a day.
This is after the hospital on Friday added 20 more dialysis machines in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The facility had 15 machines.
The addition will now see the hospital serve more than 200 patients per day in the renal unit up from 100 patients.
The National Health Insurance Fund covers two dialysis sessions per week.
The hospital CEO Ahmed Dagane has acknowledged that kidney diseases have become a global health concern.
This has been attributed to various factors such as an increase in non-communicable diseases, environmental factors, dynamic changes in lifestyle, the aging population and genetic factors.
Kidney diseases can encompass a wide range of conditions, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney stones and infections.
“We all need to put our efforts together to address the challenges associated with kidney diseases. Critical among them being raising awareness about kidney health, the risk factors and preventive measures,” he said.
“Enhancing access to dialysis for kidney patients is critical in addressing the root causes for kidney dysfunction and contribute to improved patient outcomes.”
Dagane said efforts should be put in provision and improvement of healthcare infrastructure and access to renal care services including dialysis and transplant.
Board chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda has pledged full support in ensuring the hospital continues to invest in cutting edge technologies in the fight against renal diseases.
Mugenda said with the new machines, dialysis shifts will increase to eliminate delays.
“I would like to urge the management to expedite the installation of the machines immediately so that services can begin,” she said.
“We will support the renal transplant training of our professionals and make KUTRRH a centre of excellence in renal transplants.”
The government is seeking to develop a long-term plan that will promote kidney transplants as a viable alternative to dialysis.
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for End-4 stage kidney disease.
For instance in 2020-21 financial year, NHIF spent Sh3.8 billion on renal dialysis, more than seven per cent of the total medical claims payout.
Ministry statistics shows that 661 kidney transplants have been carried out in the country since 2006.
Some patients opt for dialysis instead of transplant because of the high cost of the life-long drugs needed after transplant.
Kidney-disease is projected to become the number five leading cause of premature deaths globally by the year 2040.
It is also estimated that almost 5,000,000 Kenyans are living with the chronic kidney disease, more than 12,000 people have end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis while currently, more than 5,000 patients are on dialysis in Kenya.
There are 214 dialysis units countrywide-54 public health facilities, 143 private facilities and 17 faith-based health facilities.
Reports indicate that 70 to 75 per cent of the kidney failure cases are due to uncontrolled high blood sugar and blood pressure.
High diabetes accounts for around 50 per cent of people and around 25 to 30 per cent being due to high blood pressure.