Senators call for more life-saving machines

A SHORTAGE of haemodialysis machines has prompted senators to demand action from the Government.

The machines are essential for treating kidney disease, affecting people of all ages.

The lack of adequate equipment poses a significant threat to public health, potentially causing unnecessary suffering.

The Government’s National Health Strategy (2019-2024) prioritises non-communicable diseases, including kidney disease. Public-private partnerships are also being explored as a potential solution to improve access to dialysis services and kidney care.

Senators moved a motion last week, specifically advocating for the establishment of public haemodialysis facilities in various districts.

Matabeleland South Senator, Meliwe Phuti, called for the establishment of public haemodialysis facilities in various districts and to invest in more machines to ensure that everyone receives the life-saving treatment they need.

The call to action underscores the importance of prioritising healthcare investment, particularly for essential equipment like dialysis machines.

By increasing access to these machines, the Government can significantly improve the lives of many Zimbabweans battling kidney disease.

“I urge the Ministry of Health and Child Care to provide better healthcare services to our citizens and ensure no one has to suffer unnecessarily because of lack of access to basic medical equipment.

“In the past, we used to think that kidney disease was for the elderly, but right now, that disease is affecting even young children. I am also sympathetic to the patients because you find almost 2 214 people affected by this disease. This is not a small figure. All of us here, including staff, are less than the number of those affected by kidney disease,” she said.

Senator Phuti subsequently requested the Government to increase efforts to equip hospitals nationwide.

“I am worried that while we have a challenge of such a chronic disease, we do not have treatment centres.

“According to the Senator, we only have 16 machines for kidney treatment. Of the 16 machines, 11 are in public hospitals and five are in the private sector.

“I then ask myself, where exactly do I go? Matabeleland South has no machine. So it means those in Matabeleland affected by kidney disease must travel to Harare for treatment.”

Senator Phuti expressed concern about the situation in Matabeleland, where unemployed patients requiring medication face a significant challenge.

Public transportation isn’t viable for these individuals, forcing them to rely on expensive private transport to reach urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo for treatment.

“The treatment does not only require medication, there is also a need for blood transfusion, which is expensive. We are also supposed to donate blood, but we are not donating because we have become stingy.

“Long back, people used to donate blood even on the roads. Blood donors are supposed to be found everywhere, like vendors along the streets. We realise that people are facing many challenges on the roads resulting in loss of life,” said Senator Phuti.

He urged the Government to intensify efforts towards securing enough kidney dialysis machines to ensure every province has at least one.

Senator Phuti also asked hospitals to consider reducing medication costs and the cost of servicing dialysis machines, making treatment more affordable for patients. By increasing access to these machines, the Government can significantly improve the lives of many Zimbabweans battling kidney disease. — @Lo7246Lovelyn