Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A group, Abia State Post Transplant Persons Association of Nigeria (ASPTPAN), has complained about the biting economic situation in the country, saying this has worsened the plight of it’s members as the high cost of their life-saving drugs, has put their lives in danger.
President of the Association, Professor Remy O. Mejeha who disclosed this during the celebration of this year’s World Kidney Day in Umuahia, said post kidney transplant persons in the state were at the risk of imminent death if nothing urgent was done to save them.
Giving the theme of this year’s celebration as:”Kidney Health For All” with the sub-theme:”Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice”, Professor Mejeha, decried the plight of Nigerians depending on life-saving medications as the high exchange rate takes a toll on imported products including drugs.
Giving some tips on how to maintain kidney health, Prof Mejeha urged people to drink adequate amount of water at least three litres per day and urinate promptly when the urge arises, warning that postponing urine could be harmful to the kidneys.
He also cautioned against self medication, drug abuse and over the counter medication as they could lead to kidney disease.
“Ensure regular check ups with your physician ensuring that your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are optimal.
“Hypertensive and diabetic patients should ensure that they take their medications as prescribed and their blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure are within normal values.
He advised people to eat balanced diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables; and to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Sending Save our Souls (SoS) message
to Government and corporate organizations to come to their rescue, Prof Mejeha specifically called on Gov. Alex Otti, to quickly come to their aid by helping to procure their management drugs which are being imported into the country.
ASPTPAN Secretary, Dr Clement Ifenkoronye equally urged Government to consider the plight of post transplant persons, and take urgent action to prevent their dying early.
“A number of persons have had to undergo Kidney transplant- the definitive treatment for End Stage Renal Disease, a condition where the kidneys fail to function effectively.
“These people need lifelong medications to ensure proper functioning of the kidneys as well as prevent the body from rejecting these transplanted kidneys and indeed, any transplanted organ.”
Dr Ifenkoronye urged members of the public to always go for kidney screening to ensure their kidneys are not at risk, and for early detection of any kidney-related ailments for proper management.
