Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) is set to commence kidney transplant operations in one month’s time, marking a significant milestone as the first facility in the country to offer such procedures.
This advancement is expected to save Kenyans considerable costs associated with undergoing transplants abroad.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. Zainab Gura announced that all arrangements are complete for the historic procedures, which aim to assist hundreds of Kenyans suffering from kidney disease, a condition that can be fatal.
Dr. Gura noted that the first pair of kidney patient and donor is being prepared for the transplant.
Her remarks were made during the celebrations for World Kidney Day held at the facility, where Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, represented by an aide, highlighted that the transplants will be fully covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The SHA’s coverage extends beyond the transplant itself to include pre-care and post-care services, a significant improvement from the previous National Housing Insurance Fund (NHIF) that only covered the transplant procedure.
Dr. John Njogu, head of the Kidney Department, urged Kenyans to prioritize regular medical check-ups to monitor their renal health and to maintain a proper diet and exercise routine to support kidney function.
