Family of kidney patient appeal for support
The family of a 17-year-old St Mary’s Senior High School student, Abigail Denkyi, has appealed to individuals, philanthropists and benevolent organisations to help her financially to undergo a kidney transplant which will cost GH¢ 60,000.
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The family made this appeal through the Renal Dialysis Unit of the Department of Medicine of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).
According to a letter signed by a Nephrologist at the KBTH, Dr Vincent Boima, the patient, who had end-stage renal disease, had been undergoing haemodialysis three times a week, which cost GH¢190 per session and was receiving other medications since June 2012.
The only treatment for end-renal disease is a kidney transplant, which Dr Boima said Abigail needed.
Transplant
A deposit of GH¢7,410, being the cost of three months of thrice weekly haemodialysis, has to be made to enable her continue with her dialysis and if the deposit is exhausted, dialysis would discontinue.
Dr Boima, who explained that the suspension was to prevent the unit from running into debt, also stated that the patient must continue treatment in order to stay alive, active and productive in whatever ventures she might wish to engage in.
“Patients are to note that the haemodialysis is for life unless a patient gets a kidney transplant which is not available in Ghana at the moment,” he said.
Dr Boima said the National Kidney Foundation was collaborating with the KBTH Renal Dialysis Unit to organise a kidney transplant for the student if the needed finances
were available.
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Breaking down the cost components of the treatment, Dr Boima said the transplant would cost GH¢ 35,000; laboratory investigations, GH¢ 5,000; Immunosuppressive drugs, GH¢ 15,000 and miscellaneous (prolonged hospital stay), GH¢ 5,000.
Donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation or the Ecobank Ghana Limited (Ridge West Africa) through account number 3034404971801.