BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY’S TEACHING HOSPITAL NEPHROLOGY UNIT RAISES AWARENESS OF HEALTHY KIDNEY
The Nephrology Unit of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, commemorated World Kidney Day with an awareness campaign on how to have a healthy kidney, which was held in the hospital’s Outpatient Department.
Dr Stephen Hwande, Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, stated that three dialysis machines will be procured to treat cases of kidney failure, and Governor Hyacinth Alia has already awarded a contract worth thirteen billion naira to equip the hospital.
The CMD assured that the hospital would soon be the best to deliver quality healthcare services in renal medicine, allowing patients to live a longer and more productive life.
Dr. Hwande commended the Nephrology Unit for their dedication to providing optimal care for patients with kidney disease at all stages.
Provost of Post Basic Nephrology Nursing Programme, Dr John Ukende who noted that the Nephrology Unit was the first to exist in the teaching hospital, urged people to prioritize their kidney health while advocating for preventive measures against the disease to avoid kidney failure.
Dr. Ukende advised people at risk of kidney disease, particularly those with diabetes and high blood pressure, to take their medications as prescribed and maintain cholesterol levels within the target range to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Head of Renal Unit at the hospital, Mrs Regina Entonu who stated that the hospital has received medical supplies to make kidney care more accessible to those in need.
Mrs Entonu maintained that the teaching hospital’s Nephrology Unit had won an award for the best centre in the country, and that there is now a nephrologist available to perform cannulations, saving patients from having to travel to other parts of the country.Mr Joseph Atoba, Head of Department, School of Post Basic Nephrology, thanked the CMD for establishing a Nephrology school and training nurses in the unit. He emphasized that kidney diseases often progress quietly without obvious symptoms until they reach an advanced stage, highlighting the importance of regular screening, particularly for high risk individuals.
Two patients, Odedoo Fanen and Mike Shater, who have been suffering from the disease for nearly three years, say they have spent a lot of money traveling to neighboring states for treatment but are relieved that they can now get dialysis at the teaching hospital.
There were free high blood pressure checks, as well as urine protein and glucose tests.
The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day is “Are Your Kidneys OK?” Is intended to remind everyone to check the state of their kidney health.
Cov/ Ene Ohaba
