A group of nephrologists disclosed that a lot of Nigerians have kidney disease due to frequent intake of herbal concoctions.
The President of the association, Prof. Ifeoma Ulasi, disclosed at a news conference heralding the association’s 32nd Annual General Meeting, AGM, and Scientific Conference, in Ibadan.
According to her, the theme of the AGM, ‘Kidney and Demographics,’ is to sensitise the public on primary prevention, owing to the high cost of treating the disease.
She noted that there were multiple factors causing kidney diseases, apart from genetics, adding that the nation’s health insurance needed to be reviewed to cater for people with the disease.
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“The prevalence of kidney disease is about eight to 12 percent of the Nigerian population; it could be more, but as you may well know, many of our people don’t report to the hospital on time.
“They would have tried one or two alternative practices like native doctors or turned to spiritual houses to seek attention; we don’t get to see them early, but we believe it is about eight to 12 percent. So, if you work it out, 10 percent will be about 20 million Nigerians having kidney diseases.
“There are so many practices apart from us being genetically predisposed to kidney diseases. There are some practices that are not very good for our kidney health; oftentimes, some women use some medicated soaps that contain mercury; this is not good for the kidney,” she said.
According to her, many people also take herbal medications, which are not quantified, while the concentration is unknown.
The president, however, noted that early detection, as well as government support in terms of policy for renal care, would help reduce its prevalence.
She added that the economy of taking care of patients with the disease fell on the family, which, she added, was in favour of men than women.
Ulasi called for the review of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, to cover care of kidney diseases.
She said that other ailments, such as hypertension and diabetes as well as some drugs for arthritis for the elderly, if not prescribed, could cause kidney diseases.
NAN