Letter of the Day | Lack of dialysis machines hitting kidney disease patients hard

THE EDITOR, Madam:

This is an open letter to Minister of Health Christopher Tufton.

I am writing to shed light on the deplorable state of individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease and to implore you to take urgent action to address this critical issue. The dire situation has left many people unable to afford the astronomical cost of treatment, resulting in deaths that could have been prevented.

It is alarming to note that only four out of the 14 parishes have a limited number of dialysis machines. This inadequate provision of dialysis services is significantly contributing to the rising mortality rate. Further, the cost of dialysis treatments is unaffordable for the majority of patients, pushing them further into financial devastation.

I respectfully request your intervention in two key areas. First, there is an urgent need to install more dialysis machines in hospitals across the country. I implore you to consider subsidising the cost of dialysis for those who receive treatment privately. This measure would alleviate the financial burden faced by patients and enable them to access the necessary care without dire consequences.

I urge the Government to initiate a thorough and comprehensive public inquiry into the root causes of the sudden surge in chronic kidney disease cases. Understanding the factors contributing to the high prevalence in certain regions is crucial in developing effective strategies to combat this health crisis.

The burdens imposed by the cost of dialysis have devastated numerous families, leaving them bankrupt and emotionally broken. Lives have been tragically lost, and others have suffered significant setbacks while battling this disease. It is essential to acknowledge that the current system, in which someone has to die for another patient to receive dialysis treatment at a government facility, is deeply flawed and unacceptable. For best results, patients must receive three dialysis treatment per week, but the contrary exists where only two, and on many occasions, only one is offered. This is grossly inadequate.

I humbly implore the minister to prioritise and allocate resources towards addressing this urgent issue. Install additional dialysis machines in hospitals, as well as ensure that each hospital has at least five haemodialysis machines. I believe that addressing this issue will not impose an unbearable financial burden on the Government, but will greatly improve the lives of those affected.

Your prompt action will save lives and provide hope for a better future for those affected by chronic kidney disease.

A DIALYSIS PATIENT