The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is stepping up efforts to introduce innovative treatments for kidney patients, aiming to provide more accessible and efficient care.

Among the top priorities is the introduction of peritoneal dialysis, a treatment method widely used in the United States and other advanced countries.

This approach offers patients the convenience of managing their condition from home, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

The move to adopt peritoneal dialysis comes in the wake of the recent temporary shutdown of Korle Bu’s dialysis unit due to a shortage of essential consumables.

Speaking about the hospital’s new direction, the CEO Dr Opoku Ware Ampomah expressed optimism that this alternative treatment could soon become a reality for patients. In an interview with Joy News, Dr Ampomah shared insights into how the new treatment could transform patient care.

“Patients are trained on how to administer the treatment themselves,” Dr Ampomah explained. “Before heading out, they can insert the catheter and let the fluid circulate for about 30 minutes to an hour. After draining the fluid, they can continue with their day, free from the build-up of toxins."

However, our challenge has been accessing the necessary fluids locally. Importing them is expensive due to their weight, making the cost prohibitive. Thankfully, we’ve partnered with Atlantic Life Sciences, a local manufacturer now producing these fluids. They are collaborating with our renal specialists and a team from the U.S. to conduct trials and validate the process. We’ve overcome initial hurdles, and soon, we’ll be able to roll out peritoneal dialysis.”

While the hospital works on implementing this new treatment, Dr Ampomah reassured patients that immediate steps are being taken to address the current dialysis needs.

He also issued an apology for the disruption caused by the recent closure of the dialysis unit.

“Thankfully, the renal unit is now reopened to outpatients, and services have resumed,” Dr Ampomah said. “I want to extend my sincere apologies to our patients and the public for the inconvenience this caused. The situation arose due to factors beyond our immediate control, but we are committed to preventing such occurrences in the future. The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, and the Ministry have been instrumental in securing 30 new dialysis machines for Korle Bu, and I am pleased to announce that our initial supplier has committed to delivering an additional 30 machines.”

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