“Although kidney transplant surgeons are currently only 10 in Kenya, we plan to increase this number by partnering with Indian-based surgeons whom we shall bring into the country to train more local doctors in a bid to increase this number…
“We have prioritised training before this facility is opened in a bid to meet the high-demand that is required as cases of kidney diseases continues to increase in the country,” Dr. Were asserted. Former Health Ministry Cabinet Secretary, Mr. James Macharia, who is now the Transport Cabinet Secretary told this writer in 2014 that Kenyans were spending Sh10 billion annually seeking treatment for kidney, cancer and other diseases in India, Dubai, South Africa and other countries.
Currently, 10 per cent of the population, which translates to 4 million people, suffers from kidney diseases while 8,000 others require dialysis annually or they will die if they fail to undergo the process. Dr. Were was speaking on the sidelines of the World Kidney Day which was observed at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on March 8.
The ceremony was presided over by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as the chief guest. The function was attended by among others, acting KNH chief executive Dr. Thomas Mutie, Health Ministry representative, Dr Estella Waiguru, Kenya Renal Association, Dr Ahmed Twahir, National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) representative, Mr George Kiambati and other leading Kidney specialists in Kenya amongst others.
A kidney transplant survivor, Ms Vida Owuor, who spoke on behalf of other patients, appealed to the government to reduce the cost of kidney drugs to make them affordable to patients needing them. Dr. Mutie urged women who have been diagnosed with kidney disease “not to despair” saying there were treatment options such as dialysis or transplantation (which increased the quality of life and made one to lead a normal life). “Currently, at KNH, our doctors are doing 20 transplantations annually and we aim at increasing our capacity due to the high demand and avoid patients seeking treatment in India and other countries…
“Other hospitals which undertake transplants include Nairobi and Aga Khan Hospitals,” Dr Mutie added. In his remarks, Nairobi City County Governor Sonko said within six months after taking office, there were renal facilities in the county hospitals. “Two days ago, I launched dialysis machines at Mbagathi County Hospital where kidney transplants shall be done…
