BCI Introduces Treatment Of Kidney Diseases Into Its Programmes

Breast Care International (BCI) and the Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi, both privately-owned establishments leading the breast cancer awareness creation and treatment crusade in the country, are introducing the treatment of kidney diseases into their programmes. The new dimension is in view of the increasing kidney cases notably acute, renal failure and chronic kidney failure in the country. Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of BCI and CEO of Peace and Love Hospital told the press in Kumasi that in connection with the expansion project, three new dialysis machines are being installed at the hospital to augment the two already in use. The hospital, she said, had also been equipped with modern equipment for managing isolated cases of hepatitis and HIV. According to medical information, renal or kidney failure which is not an infectious disease can happen to anyone, at any age but chronic kidney failure is a serious and long term medical condition. Available information indicate that 1,500 kidney transplants are currently performed in the United Kingdom every year while in the USA; 370 000 people are on dialysis,15000 will receive transplant this year with 88000 on the waiting list to receive transplant and 8 people die every day waiting for organ transplant. In Ghana, only very few people are on dialysis or have received transplant due mainly to the high cost involved and lack of transplantation in the country.