In an effort to ensure that people suffering from kidney ailments live a normal life, Zimbabwean hospitals are offering free dialysis services at public health institutions.
Mrs Rosina Chiyambukira of Nembudziya, Gokwe struggled with her health for many months before she was referred to Gweru Provincial Hospital. Mrs Chiyambukira has been receiving free dialysis since September last year after being diagnosed with kidney failure.
When asked to comment, Gweru medical superintendent Dr Fabian Mashingaidze said, “The cost of renal services is quite high, most of these patients require 2 or 3 sessions a week and the majority cannot afford that on their own. The medical board has seen it fit to subsidise these services. We have been catering for more than 31 patients a week.”
The intervention of the medical board could not have come at a better time for the Chiyambukira family with one dialysis session at private hospitals pegged at 200 United States dollars.
“I came on the 23rd of September the situation was really bad and we are really grateful that she is improving and we are getting this free,” Mr Crispen Chiyambukira said.
Sadly there are 850 million people living with kidney disease worldwide, with Zimbabwe having more than 2000 patients. Living Well With Kidney Disease, calls for universal health coverage for the prevention and early treatment of kidney ailments.
