The Head of the Renal Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Professor Perditer Okyere, has expressed her concerns regarding the increasing number of kidney-related cases observed at the facility, especially among the youth.
She stated that this rise has become more apparent since the government began providing support for the treatment and management of kidney diseases, prompting more patients to seek diagnosis and medical assistance.
In an interview conducted during a pre-World Kidney Day event on Wednesday, February 11, which included a float and health screening activity at the hospital, Professor Okyere attributed the surge in cases primarily to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
He pointed out that the inappropriate use of non-prescribed medications and substances thought to alleviate pain, enhance energy, or increase work productivity is significantly leading to kidney damage in many young individuals.
“If you take about 10 people, seven to eight of them may have kidney disease. That’s how serious it is. The danger is that many people walk around without knowing they have a kidney problem.
“We have five stages of kidney disease. Many people only begin to notice symptoms when the condition has progressed to the later stages, when the kidneys can no longer function properly,” he added.
She consequently urged the public to engage in regular medical check-ups and refrain from the misuse of medications to facilitate early detection of kidney conditions and avert life-threatening complications
