Equip Referral hospitals with dialysis machines-Gov't told.

In Summary
  • Dialysis service is only available in Kampala and Mbrarara
  • There is a  need for a framework that makes kidney transplant possible in the country
  • Limiting consumption of refined foods, salt  and artificial sweeteners  keeps  the kidneys healthy.
Dr. JB Mutakirwa and Dr. Atuhe David of Lubaga hospital during an event to mark World Kidney Day
Dr. JB Mutakirwa and Dr. Atuhe David of Lubaga hospital during an event to mark World Kidney Day
Image: Gloria Nakiyimba

The management of Lubaga hospital wants the government to equip all regional referral hospitals with dialysis machines to treat chronic  kidney disease.

This follows reports that dialysis services are only available in Mulago hospital, Kirudu and in Mbarara hospital.

Dr. Atuhe David a nephrologist at Lubaga hospital noted that there is need for dialysis machines to cater for the rising number of kidney patients countrywide.

“You can’t say you are having a kidney transplant at the national referral, when you cannot offer someone in Arua a dialysis, should they all come to Mulago. So we are using kidney transplant as a vessel to push for other things that we need in the country towards making kidney disease easily preventable, easily diagnosable and treatable” he said

Uganda Martyrs hospital Lubaga is in the process of setting  up a high volume multi-organ transplant center that will provide Kidney, liver and cornea transplant to patients.

Speaking during an event as the hospital marked the World Kidney Day,17th March, Dr. Atuhe noted that there is need for a framework that makes kidney transplant possible in a country including other aspects of care.

Dr. Godfrey Nabunwa giving his presentation on risk factors and preventive behaviors for chronic kidney disease
Dr. Godfrey Nabunwa giving his presentation on risk factors and preventive behaviors for chronic kidney disease
Image: Gloria Nakiyimba

n his presentation on risk factors and preventive behaviors for chronic kidney disease,  Dr. Godfrey Nabunwa of Lubaga hospital noted that foods low in proteins, fats,  avoiding alcohol, too much salt, and smoking can help to prevent kidney disease.

He advised members of the public to instead consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetable to prevent kidney diseases

“ We are saying that fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients and they are low in calories. Your body can easily manage a diet which is high in fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables have a lot of minerals and phytochemicals, which are antioxidants which t help the body to destroy the bad chemicals in circulation” he stated

He cautions people to desist from self-medical prescription, reduce consumption of processed food, sugars and saturated fats.

“Those fats have a lot of LDL;low density lipoprotein, and  that type of fat is very damaging to your cardiovascular system and if you have kidney disease , and you are using such type of nutrition, the progression of your disease is going to be high” he advised.

Limiting consumption of refined foods and artificial sweeteners according to the scientists helps keep the kidneys healthy.

According to Dr. Nabunwa, much as protein is important for the body, some patients with chronic kidney disease may have to limit the protein in their diet.

“When you have chronic disease, some doctors may actually recommend that you reduce your proteins. A diet which is very rich in protein may also damage your kidneys. Because the kidneys work very hard to break that diet” he said.

Instead patients should consider low value proteins in vegetables and plant proteins to avoid end stage renal failure.