The 37 Military Hospital joined the global effort to observe World Kidney Day with a call to action for early detection and prevention of kidney diseases.
The event, attended by military personnel and members of the public, was on the theme “Are Your Kidneys Okay?” Detect Early, Protect Your Kidney Health.”
In her welcome address, Lieutenant Colonel Agnes Awudi, the Nursing Officer in charge of the hospital’s dialysis unit, underscored the importance of kidney health awareness.
She noted that World Kidney Day serves as a platform to disseminate vital information regarding the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.
Brigadier General Adokwei-Myers, a physician specialist at the dialysis unit, delivered the keynote address and shed light on the alarming statistics surrounding kidney health at the hospital.
He revealed that the facility records at least 30 new kidney patients every month, attributing the increase to the high costs associated with treatment.
General Adokwei-Myers stated that many cases were only detected when they reached advanced stages.
On his part, Lieutenant Commander Dennis Nyarko noted that patients requiring dialysis often face monthly expenses of up to 6,000 cedis, creating an overwhelming financial burden, particularly for those with limited resources
Lieutenant Commander Dennis Nyarko also pointed to the rising use of herbal medications as a contributing factor to the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease.
He expressed concern over the fact that emergency staff now routinely encounter cases of chronic kidney issues, a shift from past trends.
As part of the celebration, the hospital organized a free basic health screening and voluntary blood donation exercise for uniformed officers of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp and some civilians.
The initiative not only aimed to promote kidney health but also encouraged a culture of giving back through voluntary blood donation.
The program witnessed a notable turnout, featuring senior medical officers from the dialysis unit, nursing students, personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, and members of the local community.
The hospital reiterated its commitment to promoting health awareness and providing essential services to the men and women serving the country to ensure they remain informed and proactive about their health.
World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidney health and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.
Story By: Emmanuel Coffie
