SAVE ZIMBABWE KIDNEY PATIENTS APPEAL

This has left desperately ill kidney patients stranded following the closure of the renal dialysis unit at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Health experts yesterday said kidney patients need at least two sessions a week for dialysis and this means spending about US$400 or $80 million cash weekly for the treatment.

According to The Herald Zimbabwe, the health of more than 1 000 renal patients hangs in the balance following the breakdown of 10 haemodialysis machines at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare a few weeks ago. The hospital has 18 dialysis machines but of late, patients have been queuing for their weekly toxic removal sessions, which have also been cut from five hours to four hours to accommodate many patients. Patients from Bulawayo are the most affected following the non-functioning of all the renal machines at Mpilo Central Hospital.. Due to an increase in the numbers of renal patients in the country, patients now undergo haemodialysis treatment in public health institutions at least twice a week. Most private haemodialysis centres are a preserve of well to do patients who can afford to pay up to US$145 for a five- hour session. They said most patients with renal complications suffer from high blood pressure and required a certain drug, which costs $6 million for a single month course.

Read The Herald Story 26th July 2007