The Ministry of Health and Social Services has commissioned a 12-bed dialysis unit at Oshakati.
The facility will assist in reducing the N$100 million spent by the ministry annually at private facilities.
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula says the ministry has identified a need for dialysis services in state hospitals, as some patients often have to travel long distances for renal dialysis services.
“The government had to spend significant amounts of money referring state patients to private health facilities, and in the process, spent more than N$100 million annually.”
Shangula spoke on Friday at the launch of the unit at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
He said dialysis services in public hospitals are an important priority that needs to be addressed.
“For many years, state patients who require renal dialysis services had to travel long distances to access these services.”
According to Shangula, renal dialysis is a life-saving treatment for individuals with chronic kidney failure and those whose bodies cannot properly filter their blood due to a lack of kidney function.
“This can lead to a build-up of water, waste and salt to dangerous levels. If left untreated, it can even be fatal.”
Shangula said the dialysis unit will offer a place for patients to receive the life-saving treatment.
“After treatment, a person can return to work, travel and live normally.”
Since the unit’s completion in July, 67 patients have received treatment, 35 of whom are new patients, he added.
“Over 311 dialysis sessions have been conducted, a clear indication of the necessity and impact of this expansion.”
He noted that 16 haemodialysis machines were commissioned at Katutura Intermediate Hospital on 11 September.
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