Health Reporter
The World Kidney Day was marked on 13 March. Our kidneys work every day, so our concern goes beyond 13 March. It is a lifetime commitment.
The global awareness campaign highlights the importance of kidney health.
This year’s theme, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” emphasizes the need for timely intervention in the face of rising kidney disease prevalence.
With an estimated 1,000 plus kidney disease cases annually, only about 700 patients have access to dialysis treatment in Zimbabwe.
In a ground-breaking healthcare development, the Mt Pleasant Dialysis Clinic has successfully lowered national dialysis prices by a third, making life-saving treatment more accessible to Zimbabweans.
Through innovative medical practices and world-class expertise from Trauma Centre Borrowdale, the clinic has paved the way for affordable renal care.
The clinic’s reduced prices aim to bridge the financial gap, ensuring more individuals can access essential care. This development is particularly significant, given the substantial burden of kidney disease in Zimbabwe.
Breaking Down Barriers
Dialysis is a life-long procedure, discontinued when a patient receives a donor kidney. The financial burden of this treatment can be overwhelming for many Zimbabweans. The cost of dialysis is a significant concern, with many patients struggling to access treatment due to financial constraints. By reducing the cost of dialysis, the Mt Pleasant Dialysis Clinic has taken a significant step towards easing this challenge.
Patient-Centric Care
The 18-bed dialysis clinic boasts a comfortable environment, divided into sections. It has a general section with several state-of-the-art beds. It also has a private section where one gets dialysis treatment in the comfort of their own room.
“Our dialysis treatment focuses on patient-centric care, providing personalised attention and support,” explained the Matron.
“We prioritise flexible bookings, adhering strictly to each patient’s needs. This patient-centric approach is essential in renal care, where individualised treatment plans can significantly impact patient outcomes,” she added.
Promoting Awareness
To encourage referrals, the clinic offers the first session free of charge. Healthcare professionals are invited to refer patients for specialised renal care. Patients and caregivers can visit the Mt Pleasant Dialysis Clinic for affordable, high-quality treatment, served by compassionate healthcare professionals.
Commitment to Comprehensive Care
Looking to the future, the clinic plans to establish a kidney transplant unit, further solidifying its commitment to comprehensive renal care.
“We have the expertise, know-how, and innovative tools to provide world-class care,” said the Matron.
“We’re keeping pace with the demands of healthcare, and with changing laws, we are poised to make a significant impact in the lives of Zimbabweans affected by kidney disease.”
To address this issue, regular screening is essential, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
Early detection and timely treatment can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes.
The Mt Pleasant Dialysis Clinic is one facility providing critical services for chronic and acute kidney failure patients.
The clinic’s dialysis services are supported by experienced nephrologist, specialised nurses and technical team.
Early detection
Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening can help detect the disease before symptoms appear.
Improved treatment outcomes
“Screening tests are simple and are done at our laboratories, these are blood tests (creatinine, urea), urine tests, kidney function tests. Incorporating regular screening into your healthcare routine can help protect your kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney disease,” said the Matron.
Prevention
Identifying risk factors and detecting kidney disease early can help prevent or slow disease progression. At risk are those with diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease and senior citizens over 60.
● Feedback: wendy@traumazim.com
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