Health Ministry looking to considerably decentralize dialysis

GUYANA - With an increasing number of individuals suffering from kidney failure, there currently exists a major need for dialysis. To address this glaring dilemma, the Ministry of Public Health has been putting strategic measures in place. This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. She disclosed during a media forum that “currently, the Ministry is exploring opportunities to train persons in the placement of catheters for peritoneal dialysis and is looking to decentralize this service across Guyana.” In fact, she made known that the Ministry during the past year procured a once per month injectable erythropoietin for patients with kidney disease. Erythropoietin (also known as EPO) is a growth factor that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Most of the cells in the blood are red blood cells, and their main function is to carry oxygen throughout the body. EPO is used to treat anemia resulting from kidney failure or cancer treatment. It is considered to be an alternative to blood transfusions. According to Minister Cummings, “This drug can be administered at an outpatient setting, thus decreasing the frequency for hospitalization of patients with renal disease.”

These measures, according to the Public Health Minister, come as part of its efforts to further tackle the challenge of dealing with chronic noncommunicable diseases. She related that in 2016, health promotion for non-communicable diseases continued with the observance of World Kidney Day and World Health Day in collaboration with several organisations. In collaboration with the Country Office of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Unit completed the first leg of the implementation plan for the years 2016 – 2018 in alignment with the Integrated Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2013 – 2020.

(kaieteurnews.com)