Association Calls For Legislation Against Organ Trafficking

The Nigerian Association of Nephrology on Thursday urged the Federal Government to regulate and monitor the activities of dialysis centres to check unprofessionalism and fatalities.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by the President of the association, Dr Ebun Bamgboye in Lagos in commemorate of the World Kidney Day (WKD) with the theme for 2015 is: Kidney Health for All.

It also called for effective legislation against the practice of organ trafficking, urging government to encourage local transplantation activities and drugs manufacturing.

“The association notes with dismay the non-regulation of the activities of newer dialysis centres in the country and calls for concerted effort by the agencies concerned in streamlining the activities of such centres,’’ the communiqué read.

“This is especially in the area of the need for trained nephrology and dialysis personnel to man such centres.”

According to the communiqué, the association is also concerned about the increasing rate of organ trafficking and medical tourism.

“The association also urges government to encourage local centres in the delivery of transplantation services by funding hospitals, institutions and pharmaceutical companies to produce medication locally. This will enhance capacity development in order to reduce capital flight as a result of medical tourism. The association calls for increased awareness of the advantages of peritoneal dialysis.

“We appeal to the authorities concerned to help the quick granting of import duty waivers in the importation of peritoneal dialysis fluids as this offers much benefit to people with kidney diseases in our country.

“Many of these patients urgently require some sort of temporary renal replacement support. Local production of such should also be encouraged,’’ the association said.

It noted that acute kidney injury was still a major cause for concern, especially in developing countries.

“There is need for Nigeria to key into the Global Vision 0 by 25 project (reduction in mortality of acute kidney injury to 0 by 2025).

“This is being championed by the International Society of Nephorology,” the communique said.

It said that acute kidney injury had become a prevalent problem in the country and needed to be addressed urgently.