At commissioning of dialysis centre, clerics lament dearth of healthcare facilities

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has urged federal and state governments to invest more in healthcare, to address different major ailments responsible for the high rate of mortality in the country.

The Archbishop disclosed this while commissioning the dialysis unit of St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos, aimed at improving the treatment of patients with kidney diseases.

At the inauguration of the centre, which was sponsored by Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Martins canvassed for the establishment of more specialist health facilities across the country. He also underscored the need for more medical professionals and equipped health facilities to provide adequate treatment for kidney diseases to curb mortality and medical tourism.

Okogie, who said the facility would help people with kidney disease access affordable treatment, urged government officials to ensure that funds are judiciously expended on things that would impact people’s lives, such as the dialysis centre.

The Hospital’s Director of Administration, Hyacintha Ihedike said early diagnosis of kidney diseases ensures proper treatment as well as prevent deaths.

She explained that the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on all facets of life is huge, which necessitated the need for urgent action. Ihedike urged the government to ensure that health facilities are well equipped, as well as train personnel for quality and efficient treatment.

Speaking on the importance of health facilities and the need to have more across the country, Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Stella Alagbe noted that lack of access to dialysis centre had triggered high rate of mortality, due to untreated kidney diseases.

She noted that the few available centres are not affordable because treatment is expensive, due to imported consumables.