By Adamu Waziri
The Nigeria Association of Nephrology has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds towards kidney disease treatment in the country.
The association also called for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to subsidize the cost of kidney treatment, making it more accessible to patients.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 37th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association, Dr. Olatise Olalekan made this appeal during the event in Abuja.
Dr. Olalekan also described the event as a call to action to address the challenges of kidney diseases in the country.
Dr Olatise suggested key actions government should take to include subsidy for live saving kidney treatments such as dialysis through the NHIA, improving the quality of care, and strengthening of Primary healthcare system to respond effectively to healthcare needs at the grass roots.
“Concerning dialysis and kidney treatment, we urge policymakers to help us make these treatments more accessible and affordable for those in need,” Dr. Olalekan stated.
The guest lecturer and Chairman Board of trustee of the Association, Dr Solokon Kadir explained that management of kidney diseases is capital intensive hence the need for Governments intervention.
He noted that many of the cases of kidney diseases would have been treated effectively if they were reported early at the on set of the disease.
Dr Kadir said for Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, which is relatively common, the treatment is long term while a cure is possible, but Acute Kidney Infection(AKI) is usually fatal with minimal option of treatment and cure.
The Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Adefulire reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
The Vice President emphasized the need for increased health education, advocacy, and lifestyle changes to help prevent kidney diseases.
