HEALTH
Mulago Hospital has raised concerns over the increasing cases of kidney failure in the country.
Experts say that the main causes of kidney failure are non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and fevers, which negatively impact kidney function.
“We urge all Ugandans to undergo general medical checkups regularly,” hospital representatives advised.
This remark came as Mulago Hospital celebrated a milestone, successfully discharging four patients who underwent kidney transplants.
Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the head of Mulago Hospital, noted that over 1,000 patients were diagnosed with kidney failure last year.
“These patients were recommended for kidney transplants, but many cannot afford the necessary funds for treatment,” she said.
Dr. Byanyima emphasized the importance of taking health precautions to prevent kidney failure, urging Ugandans to avoid lifestyle choices and conditions that can lead to the disease.
The discharged patients include three men and one woman.
“We had eight critical cases requiring urgent operations, but only four managed to raise the money for the procedure,” Dr. Byanyima explained.
She also highlighted the complexity of such operations, noting that successful outcomes require significant time and collaboration among medical experts.
“We urge the government to allocate more funding to the health sector to facilitate such achievements,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Byanyima revealed that Mulago Hospital plans to perform kidney and liver transplants for 16 patients next year.
