For years, a kidney failure diagnosis in the Upper West Region was almost a death sentence.

Not because the disease was untreatable. But because the treatment – dialysis – was 700km away in Accra or Kumasi.

Families sold everything. Patients were airlifted. Others simply died on the road. That painful chapter ended in Wa on Tuesday, August 4.

At the official commissioning of the new dialysis unit at the Upper West Regional Hospital, the Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr. (Med.) Philip K. K. Baabiineh, could not hold back.

"As a doctor, I have witnessed patients with kidney failure deteriorate before my eyes. Not because their disease was untreatable but because dialysis, the very treatment that could sustain their life, was inaccessible," he said. "I have watched families exhaust every resource searching for dialysis outside the region. I have watched hope fade from their eyes. Those moments no healthcare professional will forever forget."

Before 2022, he added, patients who couldn’t afford the trip were "often left to their fate".

Dr Baabiineh warned that "persistent power fluctuations" pose "a serious risk to the longevity and reliability of these sophisticated dialysis machines".

"We therefore respectfully appeal to all stakeholders… to support efforts aimed at ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply to this hospital. Protecting these machines is ultimately protecting the lives of the patients who depend on them.

The man who made it happen is Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking at the event, the former Nadowli-Kaleo MP recounted how he personally airlifted patients to Accra for dialysis treatment.

"I have personally airlifted some patients from the region at great cost to acquire dialysis treatment, only for them to die. This year, last year, I experienced it. And some of their parents are here. They can attest to it. So as a nation we can never be comfortable with this reality.

He added, "Today we respond not with words alone but with deeds and real action. With the support of the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, my members always behind me, representing you, even though now I represent the whole country, and the facilitation of SHEILD, I am honoured to support the expansion of services at this hospital through the donation of these six dialysis machines and recliners. They are not refurbished… they are brand new, tear rubber," he emphasised.

But the cost was too high. So he partnered with health NGO Sustainable Health Education and Interventions Limited (SHEILD) and donors to bring six dialysis machines.

SHEILD Board Director Dr. John Nkrumah Mills, though excited about the intervention, believes that more needs to be done.

‘‘The project was to provide six modern machines, which would take care of the patients. That is expanding the capacity already and then improving the care. We started in January this year, and we are commissioning it today. I must say I was surprised when I got in. I think we may have to increase our machine load because already six patients are being dialysed at the moment. This wasn't intentional as a demonstration. Six patients are being dialysed today. What it means is that we can do dialysis 12 times in a 24-hour cycle, if that's what it's to be," he explained.

"It's a lifesaving intervention. Dialysis was something we could only hear of at Korle Bu. Today, listening to the cries and the pleas of the people, he (Speaker Bagbin) has brought this intervention."

Board Director of SHEILD, Dr. Sylvie Anie, said the organisation remains committed to addressing critical healthcare gaps through sustainable interventions that improve lives.

"This expanded dialysis unit represents far more than additional equipment or infrastructure. It represents hope for patients and families who have struggled for years to access specialised kidney care. Our vision is to ensure that quality healthcare becomes more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable for every Ghanaian."

She stated that the initiative aligns with SHEILD's mission of promoting health education, strengthening healthcare systems and supporting interventions that deliver lasting public health impact.

Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle Chiir VIII, Paramount Chief of Nandom, a renowned Ghanaian dermatologist, spoke for traditional leaders.

“This dialysis centre that we are commissioning today is a dream come true for the people of this region," he said. "For years our people have suffered. They have travelled long distances to Accra, to Kumasi, and many have died on the way… Today, that story has changed."

But Professor Delle had another plea: housing for doctors.

"We now have about 250 of our boys from Nandom who are now doctors. But why don’t they come to help us? It’s because of the lack of facilities… We don’t have quarters for the doctors. We don’t have quarters for the nurses."

Leader of the Upper West Parliamentary caucus, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, said the centre was the result of years of advocacy.

"People have suffered. People have died… just because of lack of dialysis services in this region. Today we are happy that this dream has finally materialised. No longer will our people have to travel to Accra or Kumasi."

Speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray called it "a significant milestone" that will "reduce inequalities in access to essential medical services" and give "renewed hope to patients living with kidney disease".