Renal Realities – Significance and Support
March 10, 2022
The Full Story
World Kidney Day is observed in the month of March annually to raise awareness for the importance of kidneys and to foster support for kidney disease (renal disease).
According to a 2018 Culture, Health, Arts, Sports Education (CHASE) Fund Report, the final stage of kidney disease is affecting around 1,500 Jamaicans, and that number is expected to double by 2023.
In response to this, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has made strides to support persons living with the disease.
CHASE Fund
According to the entity’s 2020/2021 annual report, $28,487,500 was approved for medical assistance for 76 persons diagnosed with end stage renal disease and cancer. Additionally, in 2022, $23.1 million was spent for eight new dialysis machines at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.
Drug Serv Pharmacies
These pharmacies are managed by the National Health Fund (NHF) and provide all major drugs, free of cost, to help manage renal failure for persons who have other comorbidities.
Nephrology Training Programme
Launched by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in 2007, this initiative provides training to nurses for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney disease. The course currently runs for nine months and takes one cohort of nurses per year.
Kidneys are crucial to our survival. Therefore, in addition to GOJ support, lifestyle changes are necessary. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH) encourages patients on dialysis machines to maintain a high protein diet, including meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
For additional information, contact:
Ministry of Health and Wellness
10-16 Grenada Way
Kingston 5
Tel: 876-633-8172/876-633-7771
876-633-8103/876-633-7433
Fax: 876-622-8364
Email: pr@moh.gov.jm
Website: www.moh.gov.jm
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @themohwgovjm
National Health Fund (NHF)
The Towers, 6th Floor
25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5
Telephone: (876) 906-1106
Telephone: 1-888-DIAL-NHF (342-5643)
Email: info@nhf.org.jm
Website: https://www.nhf.org.jm/
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @nhfjamaica