Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, the chief executive officer of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed concern about the dramatic increase in kidney-related disorders after learning that 17% of Ghanaians suffer from kidney problems.
Dr. Ampomah revealed that their registry showed there are about 700 kidney patients that need regular dialysis.
He stressed the essential importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle changes during a Citi TV interview yesterday, claiming that these actions can greatly increase kidney patients' lifespans.
"The most recent register revealed that there were roughly 700 individuals nationwide who need regular renal dialysis. An estimated 17% of people have renal issues. This amount is significant. Ghana's average is nearly 17%, compared to the average of 15% for the entire African continent. So, 5 million people in our population are struggling with kidney problems in some way. Yet, the majority of these may manage by lifestyle changes if diagnosed early. Screening is essential since early diagnosis is key "He underlined.
According to Dr. Ampomah, kidneys were built with extra capacity by nature, enabling people to donate a kidney while still being in good health. One kidney, or perhaps only a piece of it, is all that is necessary for a person to be healthy. If you are healthy, half of one kidney will suffice to suit your demands, he said.
Addressing the adjustment in fees, he attributed it to fluctuations in the cedi rate and inflation, which have eroded the costs of consumables, compelling the hospital to operate at a deficit.
"The prices are currently those from a few years ago, with GH380 being the least expensive option in comparison to other facilities. The value of this has decreased as a result of inflation and currency rate changes, thus we are not recouping our costs for delivering the service. We had to adjust the prices as a result in order to break even. The sole purpose of this service is to maintain it and cover our expenditures, not to make a profit "the CEO of Korle-Bu explained.
He criticized departmental staff for hastily releasing the new fees without the appropriate authorization in relation to the failure to submit the proposal to Parliament for approval, saying, "Sadly, without my knowledge, the departmental level prematurely disclosed the figures to the public this time. It was unexpected. Still at GH 380, please."
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