Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the federal government, particularly policy makers in Nigeria’s health sector to prioritise huge investments in the local production of dialysis consumables to mitigate the challenges faced by Nigerians.
With reference to efforts being made by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN), the former president charged diaspora Nigerians, well-meaning individuals in the country, as well as proprietors of several philanthropic foundations, corporate organisations to redirect their focus to what he described as “worthy initiatives” in the management of kidney disease.
Obasanjo stated this at the 36th annual general meeting and scientific conference of NAN) held yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
At the event, themed: “Optimising Dialysis Therapy To Prolong Survival”, Obasanjo declared that such intervention by the government will definitely go a long way at enhancing the country’s visibility in the international healthcare organizations, in addition to reducing the need for Nigerians to seek these services abroad and thereby, save foreign exchange.
“It fosters trust in the government, encourages local production of medications and dialysis materials and also creates employment,
“I have also been informed that the prevalence of kidney failure in Africa is higher than anywhere else in the world as an average African is four times more likely to develop kidney problems than a Caucasian or Mediterranean race.
“I wish to acknowledge the role of NHIS in providing limited support for only six dialysis sessions, but I want to suggest a need to consider increasing the carrying capacity substantially as obtained in South Africa and Sudan.
“At this juncture, I want to call on diasporas, well-meaning philanthropists, foundations and corporate Nigeria to support worthy initiatives by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) in reducing cost or helping out with capacity development, equipment support and other means of providing succor”.
“There is an urgent need for legislative support in terms of a new bill to support affected persons. Lastly, organ trafficking is an emerging issue in our environment and I want to plead with agencies concerned to help in examining relevant laws especially with regards to cadaveric donations taking cognizance of our peculiar cultural and societal idiosyncrasies and also laws guiding organs to be harvested from living donors,” he said.
