Sharjah: The first independent dialysis centre in the UAE is set to open by 2010 and aims to cater to patients from all emirates.
"There are not enough dialysis machines in Sharjah, and we aim to meet the demand by providing the new centre with at least 30 machines during the first phase," said Nawal Al Shamsi, Head of Donation Committee, Friends of Kidney Patients.
The dialysis centre is an initiative of Friends of Kidney Patients, a Sharjah-based organisation operating under the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, which is composed of volunteer health care workers.
Al Shamsi pointed out that 30 dialysis machines can cater to 90 patients per day.
The announcement was made yesterday on the side-line of the launch of a year-long campaign, Support my Mother. All donations made during the campaign will contribute in providing equipment to the new centre.
"The dialysis machines will be offered free of charge, but patients will have to pay for prescribed drugs," she said. The centre will be located at Al Falah area, next to University City, donated last month by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Al Qasimi Hospital is currently the only place in Sharjah that offers patients dialysis facility. The hospital has 14 machines that cater for up to 2,000 patients. "There are not enough facilities for patients with kidney failure in Sharjah, and so they are obliged to go to Umm Al Quwain or Dubai for their sessions," said Dr Zuhair Maimani, a health consultant volunteering at the organisation.
A permanent team of medical staff will be on hand to check and monitor patients who have other health complications while undergoing dialysis.
Health: Preventing kidney disease
Eat a healthy diet and get dietary counselling; keep physically active; stop smoking; keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg and maintain a healthy weight
Source: Friends of Kidney Patients
Do you know anyone who is need of dialysis? Have you faced problems with the lack of medical facilities in the past? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
Sharjah is short of medical facilities. A new dialysis centre, or any new medical facility, is defenately a feather in the cap, will definitely help. Thank you
Tarek Ahmad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 25, 2008, 00:00
I underwent the dialysis machine for some time. I would like to point out that it was a very bad experience. I think it is much better to spend the money on a transplant.
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 24, 2008, 09:35
It is a great step from the Sharjah authorities to construct a special centre to treat and provide the latest medical technologies for people who need it.
Abdullah Ahmad Al Hosani
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 13:07
