Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The biting economic situation in the country, has further worsened the plights of post transplant persons in Abia State as the price of their life-saving treatments, has gone out of control.
Resultantly, the group under the aegis of Abia State Post Transplant Persons Association of Nigeria (ASPTPAN), has sent Save Our Souls (SoS) message to Government and corporate organizations to come to their rescue, lamenting they can no longer afford their treatment due to the high exchange rate.
President of the Association, Professor Remy O. Mejeha; and Secretary, Dr Clement Ifenkoronye, in their remarks during the celebration of this year’s World Kidney Day in Umuahia, said post kidney transplant persons in the state were at the risk of imminent death if nothing urgent was done to save them.
They called on Gov. Alex Otti, to quickly come to their rescue by helping to procure their management drugs which are being imported into the country.
Giving the theme of this year’s celebration as: “Kidney Health For All” with the sub-theme, “Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice,” Professor Mejeha, decried the plight of Nigerians depending on life-saving medications as the high exchange rate takes a toll on imported products including drugs.
Meanwhile, he gave some tips on how to maintain kidney health, urging people to drink adequate amount of water at least three litres per day.
He also advised people to urinate promptly when the urge arises, warning that postponing urine could be harmful to the kidneys.
Professor Mejeha also cautioned against self medication, drug abuse and over the counter medication as they could lead to kidney disease.
“Avoid over the counter medications. See a licensed physician for prescriptions as many medications are injurious to the kidneys when used indiscriminately. Avoid indiscriminate consumption of herbal concoctions.
“Ensure regular check ups with your physician ensuring that your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are optimal.
“Hypertensive patients and diabetics should ensure that they take their medications as prescribed and their blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure are within normal values.
“Eat a balanced diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week – at least four times a week.
In his remark, ASPTPAN Secretary, Dr Ifenkoronye, urged Government to consider the plights of post transplant persons, and take urgent action to prevent their early graves.
He begged Government not to overlook the plights of the affected people.
“A number of persons have had to undergo Kidney transplant – the definitive treatment for End Stage Renal Disease, a condition where the kidneys fail to function effectively.
“These people need lifelong medications to ensure proper functioning of the kidneys as well as prevent the body from rejecting these transplanted kidneys and indeed, any transplanted organ.
“These medications are very expensive to procure putting the kidneys at risk. With the present exponential increase in the dollar as against the naira, the costs are astronomical indeed.
“Many post transplant persons are battling Kidney rejection and death as a result of inability to procure medications.”
Dr Ifenkoronye urged members of the public to always go for kidney screening to ensure their kidneys are not at risk, and for early detection of any kidney-related ailments for proper management.
He noted that kidneys are vital organs that should not be toyed with.
“Kidneys are vital to life. They perform essential services in mammals which include; excretion of foreign substances/waste products, regulation of the pH and water, production of blood, hormonal substances etc.
“They are indeed vital to life and it is important that they be kept healthy for optimal performance.”
