Iuze Mukube
Due to the long-standing lack of availability of dialysis services in public health facilities, the ministry of health made the decision to establish dialysis services across the country.
This is to meet patient needs and for increased access to these services.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula, who officiated at the commissioning of the renal dialysis unit at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital last week, stated that the occasion marked a pivotal moment in the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility to and expand availability of healthcare services for all the citizens in all parts of Namibia.
“This (kidney failure) can lead to the buildup of water, waste and salt to dangerous levels. If left untreated, it can even be fatal. Because of this, dialysis is a necessary treatment to filter out these unwanted substances, and maintain a good balance in the blood.
This unit offers a place for patients to receive this life-saving treatment. After treatment, a patient can return to work, travel or live normally,” he said.
He further emphasised that a dialysis unit is crucial as it is a life-saving treatment for those individuals with chronic kidney failure.
Completed last week, the cost related to the project amounts to N$16 million, which includes construction costs, equipment and furniture.
Shangula stated the “establishment of this dialysis unit stands as a testament to our steadfast commitment to address chronic kidney disease and deliver life-saving treatments to those in need.”
He further announced “Cabinet has approved a costed plan to strengthen and improve the delivery of public health services in the country. The plan will be implemented over a period of five years.
The cost is more than N$16 billion, and covers different areas of service delivery.
This includes the modernisation of physical infrastructure, procurement of items such as ambulances, medical equipment and recruitment of staff.”