By Gloria Amoh
The Medical Superintendent and a Surgeon Specialist at the Keta Municipal Hospital, Dr. Kofi Karikari Bonsu, says patients with renal diseases face significant financial and logistical challenges in managing their conditions.
In an interview., Dr. Kakari Bonsu explained that the Municipal Hospital has recently opened a urinary dialysis unit to better serve patients with kidney diseases in the region. He underscored that previously, patients had to travel to the Ho Teaching Hospital, which is about four hours away, for dialysis services.
According to him, this often led to patients refusing referrals due to the high costs and the inconvenience, negatively affecting their treatment outcomes. He indicated that the new unit aims to provide much-needed relief to the local community by offering these services closer to home.
Dr. Karikari emphasised that patients with renal diseases face significant financial and logistical challenges in managing their conditions and are required to undergo multiple tests and treatments, with each dialysis session costing about 491 Ghana cedis.
“Most patients need two to four sessions per week, and the costs add up quickly, including transportation and accommodation expenses when traveling to Ho, and so the new dialysis unit at Keta Municipal Hospital will help alleviate these burdens by providing local access to these critical services.” he stated on GTV’s breakfast show on Monday, August 19, 2024.
He clarified that the Volta region currently has limited dialysis facilities, with only one unit at the Ho Teaching Hospital, which is often overwhelmed and sometimes operates with fewer functioning machines.
“The Keta Municipal Hospital’s new unit will help reduce the strain on the existing system by offering additional dialysis services. This development is particularly beneficial for patients from Togo who seek treatment in the Volta region, as they will now have a closer option.”
Dr. Karikari disclosed that, to ensure the success of the new unit, Keta Municipal Hospital is focusing on staff training and collaboration with other healthcare facilities. Nurses are being trained in renal nursing, and there is an ongoing partnership with the Ho Teaching Hospital to exchange knowledge and support. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining the new unit’s effectiveness and ensuring that it meets the community’s needs.
He pointed out that there are still challenges to overcome as the hospital hopes to acquire more dialysis machines and is calling on philanthropists and NGOs to assist with donations and supplies. Also, additional support will enable the hospital to offer free services to those in need and expand the unit’s capacity to serve more patients.
“However, the hospital’s efforts to improve renal care in the region reflect it’s committed to being a preferred healthcare provider in the Volta region and beyond.”.
