University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital to Launch Kidney Transplantation Center
By Katherine Abayomi
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has revealed plans to begin kidney transplantation services by October this year.
Professor Datonye Alasia, Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), stated this during the Renal Department Ground Rounds presentation.
Professor Alasia stated in an interview with newsmen about the timeline for its kickoff: ” For us, our strategic timeline is October 2024, and that is what we are working towards. Of course, if all the assumptions go as we plan,it will be October because we have staff training, people will travel, the MoU will be signed, and the procurement timeline will also affect us. But our overarching focus is to stay on that date and see that we achieve it.
The professor further stated about the facility: The renal department is present because of the planned renal transplantation. The essence is to create awareness internally. The programme involves different professional groups, such as pharmacists, pediatricians, nurses, psychologists, and virtually everybody in the hospital.
This presentation also helps members of the team to have a better understanding of what they are expected to offer transplant patients and every aspect of the service that will influence the patients journey. We also believe that this world improve that multi disciplinary team spirit.
He said the transplant clinic has kicked off ,duo its wasn’t structured for post transplant and before transplant but now there is a deliberate attempt to structure it to make the public know clearly that the transplant clinic is a dedicated service.
UPTH Transplant Team lead,professor onyeanumam Ekere,said that for a diseased kidney dialysis is one way it could be treated. This is the removal of waste product urine ,feces can not be removed. it stays in the blood and affect a person negatively.
“To restore the function,there may be need to bring a new kidney that is the transplantation. we have not started before now but we are in the process of starting the transplant programme. The present management of the hospital as part of the five years development programme wants to carry out this kidney transplant.
He mentioned about their collaboration with other centres to making it a success.
“we cannot do it alone so we are collaborating with some centres,both locally and internationally and through the effort of management, we have a specific building that’s design for it.
