High costs of renal care

ANOTHER CALL IS being made for Barbadians to take their health more seriously.
On the eve of World Kidney Day, chief executive officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Dr Dexter James noted that with the high incidents of non-communicable diseases in the country, the need for people to take responsibility for their own health cannot be understated.
Speaking at the launch of the Bryden Stokes Peritoneal Dialysis Home Delivery Service at the QEH earlier today, James said Government spends upwards of $13 million a year to treat the 171 patients who use its renal care services.
The peritoneal dialysis machines allow patients who qualify to administer the therapy in the comfort of their own homes, while they carry on with their regular activities. There are currently 26 patients ranging from seven to 81 years using the peritoneal system. (YB)