Rise in Kidney Disease: At Least 20 Patients Visit Our Dialysis Unit Daily – Dr. Osei Tutu  

A worrying rise in kidney disease cases is putting increasing pressure on dialysis services, according to Dr. Osei Tutu, Medical Director of Washington Specialist Hospital at Sofoline.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Osei Tutu revealed that the hospital’s dialysis unit now receives no fewer than 20 patients every day, a figure he describes as “alarming” and reflective of a broader public health challenge.

“At least 20 people come to our dialysis unit daily, and the number keeps rising,” he said. “Many of these patients arrive at very late stages of kidney failure, when dialysis is the only option left to keep them alive.”

Late Detection a Major Concern

Dr. Osei Tutu explained that late detection remains one of the biggest contributors to the growing burden of kidney disease. According to him, many patients live with underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes for years without proper monitoring, unknowingly damaging their kidneys over time.

“Kidney disease is often silent. You may feel fine while your kidneys are gradually failing,” he noted. “By the time symptoms become obvious, significant damage has already occurred.”

He stressed that routine medical check-ups are crucial, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.

Lifestyle and Medication Abuse

The Medical Director also pointed to lifestyle factors and the misuse of medications as key drivers of the problem. Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, poor dietary habits, and the widespread use of unprescribed painkillers and herbal medications are placing additional strain on the kidneys.

“Some herbal preparations and painkillers are toxic to the kidneys when taken frequently or without medical supervision,” Dr. Osei Tutu warned. “People assume ‘herbal’ means safe, but that is not always the case.”

Financial and Emotional Toll

Dialysis, while lifesaving, comes with a heavy financial and emotional cost. Dr. Osei Tutu described how many families struggle to cope with the long-term expense of treatment, which often requires multiple sessions each week.

“Dialysis is not a cure; it is a lifeline,” he said. “Without proper support systems and early prevention, many patients and families are pushed into severe financial distress.”

Call for Public Awareness and Prevention

Dr. Osei Tutu called for intensified public education on kidney health, urging health authorities, the media, and community leaders to prioritize awareness campaigns focused on prevention and early detection.

He encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, drink adequate water, reduce salt intake, manage chronic conditions effectively, and seek medical attention promptly when experiencing symptoms such as persistent swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination.

“Most kidney diseases are preventable if detected early,” he emphasized. “We must shift our focus from treatment to prevention if we want to reduce the growing number of patients requiring dialysis.”

As cases continue to rise, Washington Specialist Hospital at Sofoline remains committed to providing specialized care through while advocating for stronger preventive measures to curb the silent epidemic of kidney disease as the facility has introduced IV Infusion Therapy which aims at reducing the rise of the disease.

Washington Specialist Hospital has set February 21,2026 for the launching of the IV Infusion Therapy programme which aims at  ssupporting the human body to fight against kidney, liver, and other non-communicable conditions.

Also, as part of the hospital’s corperate social responsibilities, administration has also set February 14,2026 for a clean-up exercise at the facility and it’s environs.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/Samuel Sarkodie/0546062832