COVID-19: BISHOP NWOKOLO TARGETS 5000 FAMILIES WITH 30 MILLlON RELIEF MATERIALS

CHIKE OJUKWU

Diocese on the Niger has donated food and relief materials, worth N30million to thousands of parishioners in the diocese, as part of palliatives to alleviate their hardship, due to lockdown arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo (PhD) said the diocese targetted about 5,000 families in the diocese, who are  facing financial difficulties,  as a result of restrictions by both Federal and State Governments.

Bishop Nwokolo who stated, this recently at the Bishop's Court in Onitsha, commercial city of Anambra State said the quarantine measures have impacted negatively on many families.

According to him, the restrictions are vital in tackling the pandemic, which has killed many people worldwide.

However the suspension of social and economic activities worsened poverty as many people cannot afford  three square meals.

Dr Nwokolo urged the church and kind-hearted Nigerians to support vulnerable people in society, especially in these trying times.


According to him such gestures will reduce hunger in the land and also curb crimes and youth restiveness.

Speaking shortly after the presentation, Ven Obi Ubaka, the Archdeacon of Onitsha Main Archdeaconry thanked the Bishop for the gesture, pledging that the priests would ensure that the targeted families are reached.

He prayed that God Almighty would bless the diocese and its endeavours.

Christian group warns IG, SE,SS govs over movement of almajiris.

ADEZE OJUKWU

A faith-based organization, under the aegis of Nigeria Christian Graduate fellowship (NCGF) has called on Southern governors and security operatives to beef up surveillance at borders, due to dangers posed by indiscriminate inter-state travels by unauthorised persons.

The group expressed worry about reported incidences of lorry-loads of  child beggars, called ‘almajiris’, intercepted  at  various parts of the zone by vigilante groups and task force personnel. This is against the backdrop of  recent police reports that, truck-loads of almajiri were nabbed at various areas in the zone.  

Northern Governors’ Forum(NGF) recently banned the almajiri system and commenced relocation of street kids to their various  states and communities, as part of efforts to curb coronavirus otherwise called COVID-19.

In an open letter to the Inspector General of Police(IGP) and governors of the South tagged: ‘Re-movement of human cargo from the North to South,’ the organization accused security operatives  of complicity and violation of inter-state restrictions. The statement, signed by the group’s National president, Prof  Charles Adisa and General Secretary, Mr Philip Nwaegeruo, expressed concerns that ‘some  individuals are disguising as goods in trucks and trooping from the North to the South, despite the lock-down by the Federal and State governments.

‘Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects  hiding as cargoes, were  able-bodied persons, generally categorized as almajiris being off-loaded surreptitiously, in  South East, South South and South West geo-political zones.’

‘Similar sinister migrations have also been reported in the Middle-Belt, including  Nasarawa States.   The real mission behind this illegality, in the wake of increasing spread of the deadly disease in many Northern states raises serious concerns,’ it noted.

According to the group,  these so-called almajiris, some of who tested positive or asymptomatic to covid-19 may escalate community transmissions in the south, where spread  has been minimal. They also pose security threats to the region, it noted saying, ‘whatever be the intention, the timing of this strange action is suspicious.

It is wrong and highly dangerous for people to disguise themselves as  livestock, folder and goods, just to migrate to other areas of the nation clandestinely,  against laid down regulations.’

‘One can not hide under the right to freedom of movement and settlement in any part of the country to endanger the lives of other people.’

The group alleged that ‘these illegal operations are taking place in the presence of security agencies, who have been deployed to ensure strict compliance with the social and economic laws.’ According to them there are several military and police checkpoints between Oturkpa Junction in Benue State and Iriebe in Rivers State, yet these infractions are going on particularly at night.

‘The same can be said of the western flank of the national highways, yet these illegal movements have continued unabated.’

It further observed that ‘in the last one week three interceptions took place along the eastern axis. A team of locals intercepted an Eastern bound luxurious bus with 60 travellers from the north at Obollo Afor axis. At the Lokpanta axis in Abia state a trailer load of close to 200 persons lodged between animals and foodstuffs  was intercepted. Less than 24 hours at the Abia state boundary with Akwa Ibom  at Ariam another human cargo in a Dangote truck was also intercepted. In each of these places there is a military road block.’

In one of the cases, the group alleged  ‘that the driver of the truck was said to have confessed that the police collected N4,000 from each of the passengers before  allowing to  pass. This is proof that the security agencies are colluding in the illegal movements.  Similar incursions into have also been spotted   around Lagos and Western axis.’

According to them, police reports have clearly shown that those arrested  confessed to have bribed security agencies. ‘They may not necessarily be almajiris or beggars looking for greener pastures as believed hence the need to probe and unmask the real motives and characters  behind this sudden migration from the north,’ it added.

They called  on ‘the Inspector-General Police and the GOC 82 Division, Enugu, of the Nigeria Army and their counter-parts to carry out proper investigations into these breaches and prosecute erring officials, in order to serve as a deterrent.

The Christian group  also urged Southern governors to improve surveillance in the region, by establishing an independent ad hoc security arrangement to forestall this illegal movement.

It noted that the safety of the region was being compromised and reminded the governors of their constitutional responsibility  to ensure security of lives and properties under their jurisdictions.’

‘Persons, packed in truck loads of   cargoes and secretly transported in the cover of the night are violating federal and state governments directives. They  cannot  claim that their rights to freedom of movement are being violated because they are  endangering the safety of others.’

The group urged all residents  to be vigilant and alert the authorities, if they observe suspicious activities in their communities. ‘We also urge community leaders and  Christian organizations to be alert over the recent development, considering widespread apprehensions over alleged plots by terrorists and Islamic extremists to invade the region.’

 

The uproar over almajiri deportation

Adeze OJUKWU

The uproar over the ban and deportation  of child beggars, popularly called ‘almajiris,’ by northern governors, reflects the ominous schism in the polity. The destitution among these street kids, vividly, depicts the worst violations of child rights globally.

The state of these urchins, mainly from the north, roaming and rummaging through dumps for food, is heart-rending. Hence the action of the Northern Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF) to proscribe the controversial system is widely hailed.

However the move has also received knocks, due to the exigencies of relocating them in these perilous times. Several efforts, by past administrations  to end the primitive institution, were crushed by powerful individuals, whose wards study abroad, allegedly. Such is the paradox of the Nigerian society, where indigent families are pushed to despicable conditions, under the guise of religion and tradition. This absurdity says much about the country,  with about nine million almajiris and 10 million out-of-school children, the highest number worldwide.

The  almajiri practice is blamed for  fuelling the nation’s huge number of street kids and criminalities. The current fireworks  and polarisation over this issue, along ethnic and religious fault lines, are untenable. Previous attempts to abolish several detestable customs, notably early and child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), as well as discriminations against women and children, were foiled over similar dissensions.

In saner climes, young people are highly prized for their fragility and potentialities, as future leaders. They are not subjected to needless hardships, under the guise of  moral tutelage. But in Nigeria, the reverse is the norm. Societies that fail to invest in children’s education and welfare often face social instabilities.

Nigeria is currently inundated by terrorism, violence and  unemployment, due to insufficient investments in youth development.The fact that these boys are already trooping to the South, portrays the complexities of resettling them.

Nigerian Christian Graduate Fellowship(NCGF) said several truckloads of young beggars were ‘intercepted in  Enugu, Abia and Cross River states, by security forces and turned back.’  NCGF described the migration  as ‘suspicious and posed health and security dangers to the region.’

Yet, the House of Representatives has asked Federal Government to halt the evacuation, citing constitutional breaches and  transportation hazards. According to  them, the policy violated rights of  citizens to reside in any part of the country. The lower chamber also urged  the governors to  incorporate the kids in the Universal Basic and Technical Education(UBTE) programme, before scrapping the ancient  order.

However the state executives vowed not to rescind the action, as  thousands of them have already been profiled and  moved to their various states and local governments.

Certainly relevant state and federal agencies should, synergistically adopt a holistic template to arm them with adequate trainings and resources for a more secured future and  productive life. However initiatives that tend to relieve parents of their sacred duties to their children are often cumbersome. Government agencies should offer support services but not adorn the role of parenting.

Despite the merits of  American  policy on child removal from abusive parents, custody rights  in several  states and counties remain contentious.
Closer home, the almajiri Islamic education, which originated from the 11th century Kanem Borno empire, has become burdensome. Many believe the exercise ‘should have a human face or be suspended.’ For others ‘nothing can be as inhuman as neglect of one’s offspring.’

Even animals take care of their new-born.
‘It is not the right time to move them,’ others argue. But when is the right time?

With the current health crises, some believe they should reside in their present locations. This argument is somewhat spurious, because whether they are evacuated or not, their safety and livelihood remain precarious. Their squalid circumstances and nutritional deficiencies predispose them to  diseases and  dangers.

For how long will society cuddle a quaint practice, that neither serves its adherents nor society well. With the lock-down and economic restrictions, how will they survive on empty streets, bereft of alms givers. Should kids be pushed to the streets to fend for themselves?

It is immoral and anachronistic to abandon one’s offspring. Adults should take responsibility for their wards. Without proper education and skill acquisition, individuals  become a menace.

The era of indiscriminate breeding of children is gone. Such antiquated and reckless behaviours have no place in modern times. They  negate the principles of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child(CRC) and 2003 Child’s Rights Act (CRA).
According to United Nations  Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 11 northern states including  Kano and Katsina have not domesticated this legislation.

The agency said its ratification, is  crucial for boosting children’s welfare, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also protect them from exposure to exploitative labour, human trafficking and sex industry.

The present brouhaha, captures the insidiousness behind the philosophy of begging, as a way of life for both adults and minors. These reprehensible tenets that promote backwardness in the land call for urgent redress. The north  needs to acknowledge that it is time to  purge itself of cultures that perpetuate poverty and destitution  in the region.

Latest  National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report ranked the north, as the poorest region in the country. According to the 2019 Nigerian Living Standards Survey(NLSS) nine out of 10 poorest states, were from the north. Sokoto State topped the chart with 87.73 per cent poverty head count rate,  while Taraba and Jigawa posted 87.73 and 87.02 percent respectively.

This global catastrophe  offers a veritable opportunity to review the region’s impoverishment, in order to engender  rapid economic growth in the zone. Rapid development can be stimulated in the area, through promoting literacy, family planning, alternative energy supply, as well as securing credit facilities and premium markets for farmers and  rural dwellers.

No doubt, this epidemic has thrown up a new norm and exponential challenges  across nations. It is worse for the almajiris whose lot,  remains dark and dreary, as some of them have tested positive to the infection.

The financial disaster has indeed worsened their plight, parents are still impoverished, Social amenities remain scant. State governments do not seem well-positioned to  undertake their quandaries. With this dilemma, these kids may return to the streets.

It is a looming danger that must be averted and urgently too.

As Nigeria Grapples With Coronavirus Pandemic

Adeze Ojukwu 

Coronavirus has forced the world to an unprecedented halt, leaving in its wake an avalanche of deaths and bitter lessons. Among them is the momentum to revamp the global public health structure. The sector has long been groaning for change, in countries, such as Nigeria. That change, has undoubtedly commenced. 

But it has come at a phenomenal cost, precipitated by the dreaded virus, codenamed COVID-19. It is spurring an international action to advance human life and economic empowerment.  As  nations report new cases, World Health Organization(WHO) harps on physical distancing, hand washing, early testing and treatment. 

The pandemic has obviously, reached a tipping point, with community transmissions threatening high density populations.

The crises has accentuated  weaknesses in clinical services  across nations. Many hospitals lack essential supplies and protective equipment, even for front line care workers.

During 2014 Ebola epidemic,  American philanthropist and  Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates upbraided leaders for paying scant attention to this vital sector. Today the world is traumatized for this unjustifiable negligence. ‘If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it’s most likely to be a highly infectious virus rather than a war – not missiles, but microbes,’ he warned. ‘We have invested a huge amount in nuclear deterrents, but we’ve actually invested very little in a system to stop an epidemic,” he explained. ‘Clearly, we’re not ready for the next epidemic. We don’t  have a system to deal with the next epidemic,’ he warned. ‘World Economic Forum(WEF) simulation, in October 2019 showed we are unprepared for a pandemic, but it’s not too late to work together on COVID-19,’ he added. President of the forum, Børge Brende made similar submissions.  ‘What did we learn? We are woefully unprepared. COVID-19 is the whole world’s problem and the most serious threat to global health security in decades.’ ‘COVID-19 demands global co-operation among governments, international organizations and the business community.’The group’s Global Health Security leader, Ryan Morhard, said ‘outbreaks of infectious diseases are inevitable, but the economic damage is not.’ ‘Sustained attention from a broad multistakeholder coalition is needed in advance of a severe pandemic to save lives and minimize economic and societal consequences,’ he stressed.

Indeed such a multi-sectorial synergy can de-escalate humongous health emergencies. Millions of people remain vulnerable, while hundreds of doctors and nurses have died, despite  billions of funds released to combat the epidemic.

The world has never witnessed such a monumental humanitarian-cum-economic disaster, in recent history. Not even the Spanish flu had this tsunami-like force.  Even the most sophisticated countries are petrified and overwhelmed.Indeed no nation was fully prepared for an emergency of this magnitude, as efforts to stop the virulent devil seem deficient.

With millions of cases worldwide, United States(US), the epicenter,  has the highest numbers, followed by Italy, Spain, France and Germany. China, which reported lower rates, has been widely criticised for lack of transparency and racial discriminations against people of African descent in Guangzhou over a resurgence.

In Africa, the situation looks  grim and complex. Its peculiar  exigencies, pose serious factors for exponential spread of the disease especially in slums and conflict zones.

Nigeria, with its intractable poverty and defective leadership is inundated. Government’s characteristic inertia over critical issues may have compounded the burden.

The country is currently facing grave consequences, for failing to respond promptly to early warning signals from  experts to impose quarantine and containment regulations.

Relevant agencies are scurrying  to curb its foray into rural communities, mostly bereft of basic social-cum-health facilities and  surveillance systems.  Director of the Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC), Dr John Nkengasong said despite expansion of testing capacities and extensive training for medical workers, the region lacks critical emergency supplies notably ventilators. In an interview with John Hopkin’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr  Nkengasong said: ‘We are in the morning of the outbreak at the moment. China is in the sunset. However I think our situation is getting complicated.’

Nkengasong, a virologist who worked for over two decades in the US CDC  continued.‘I am very worried about the virus seeding itself into vulnerable communities, like in the slums of most capital cities, or in refugee camps. There are quite a good number across the continent. That would be a big challenge.’ Latest report from Africa Center for Strategic Studies, identified  risk factors in the region as ‘international exposure, weak health system, urban density and  population. Others are population age, government transparency, press freedom, conflict and internally displaced persons.’

‘This multilayered risk portfolio underscores the vulnerabilities and the importance of limiting spread of the virus before it extends to high density settings.’

‘With high levels of poverty, weak health systems, and crowded urban areas, the virus could be particularly devastating. However some argued that  Africa’s warmer climate, youthful population, and experience in fighting infectious diseases,’ enable it to overcome the scourge,’ it stated. Sadly the region is saddled with endemic socio-economic plagues. Nigeria, for instance,  recorded its index case through international exposure, but witnessed a rapid spread, due to ineffective management.

Opposition parties and critics blame Federal Government for failure to enforce adequate restrictions of land borders and international flights, thus exacerbating the infirmity. Coronavirus  has further unmasked the nation’s  decrepit health framework. A recent statement attributed to Secretary to Federal Government and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha is revelatory. ‘I can tell you for sure, I never knew that our entire healthcare infrastructure was in the state in which it is, until I was appointed to do this work.’

Several decades of inadequate health investments have diminished the country’s capacity to grapple with basal medical conditions.

Maj (Ret.) Iwuozo Obilo summed it succinctly. ‘This pandemic has put our shared humanity into sharper focus and exposed decades of greed, selfishness, and malfeasance perpetrated by politicians on the nation, not just the poor, so easily forgotten.’

It is  time for government to utilize the nation’s enormous wealth for the greater good of the populace.

Easter celebration amid COVID-19 pandemic

Adeze Ojukwu 

Billions of Christians worldwide will on Sunday commemorate the Christian feast of Easter despite the catastrophic impact of coronavirus. Following the exponential spread of the virus, codenamed COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a pandemic, calling for social distancing, self-isolation and aggressive distribution of test kits and medications to developing nations.  With the activation of pandemic alert mode most churches cancelled mass gatherings, including Easter festivities. Hence millions of Christians will stay at home for the festival, due to the health crises ravaging the world and plundering economies.

A few weeks ago, the Vatican officially announced that ‘its traditional Easter week celebrations would be held, without worshippers, due to the coronavirus. All liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful till April 12.’

Other leaders imposed similar quarantine measures. In Nigeria the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) directed religious groups to suspend large gatherings.  According to Catholic News Service, dioceses around the world banned public masses to ‘flatten the curve,’ and ease the burden on the health care system.
Bishops in Quebec, Canada said the efforts will ‘contribute to this joint public health effort in solidarity with the authorities.’

With the unprecedented lock-down across nations, this Easter is understandably solemn and moody. The pandemic, which started last November in Wuhan, China, has petrified several nations and crippled their economies.

Never in recent history has the world, witnessed such monumental damage from a viral infection, reminiscent of the early twentieth century influenza. Most countries halted sports, academic and religious activities, while several air and rail services were disrupted.

The global economy has virtually crashed, with prices of crude oil, stocks and products plummeting.

As global leaders grapple with the epidemic and resultant economic-cum-humanitarian effects, several countries are still in lock-down.

Billions of people across all continents remain in confinement, with the spiking of death toll from the consumptive respiratory contagion, in Europe and the United States (US).  In Italy, the epicenter of the pandemic, streets remain bare, while churches are bereft of worshippers. With this disaster, many faithful, as the rest of the world are grief-stricken, despite the resurrection memorial. Indeed the scourge marred the high spirits, shopping spree and merriment that traditionally accompany Easter, the second most important Christian festival, after Christmas.

The brazen pestilence, has not only petrified communities, but has raised fears about possible onset of end-time catastrophes, depicted in Matthew 24. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead, captured vividly by the four gospels, is believed to have occurred on the third day, following his crucifixion, at Calvary 30 AD, according to bible history.  Usually the Holy Week, particularly in orthodox churches, is characterised by Maundy Thursday, commemorating Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, a memorial of Christ’s death.

In the West, the season begins on Easter Sunday and ends with Pentecost Sunday on the 50th day, while Eastern orthodoxy, begins with the celebration and ends with the Ascension on the 40th day, according to theologians.

The joy of this momentous miracle is the culmination of the suffering of Jesus, reflected in Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance, prior to his rise. The sobriety of this Easter reflects society’s grief, as several communities bury the dead, scratch for food and reel over the monumental tragedy. Amidst this unprecedented calamity, Christians are encouraged to trust the divine for protection and comfort, over tribulations and vulnerabilities. The viral disease may have marred the convivial celebration, but it could not scorch the eternal symbolism of Easter to humanity and divinity.  Many believers still observed the day because of its centrality to the faith.

Christ’s resurrection remains the pinnacle of the church, more so in trying times, because his triumphant victory over death offers believers irrefutable assurance of peace and eternal life.
The widespread consternation has in a way displayed the downside of humanity.

All mortals are subject to death, hence the need for all to prepare for heaven, because this ephemeral orbit and its glories are passing away. The Bible clearly depicts the earthly abode as a temporary site. The permanent residence for mankind is heaven for the righteous in Christ. Hell is the final destination of those who reject Christ, as Lord and saviour in their lifetime. This is the message of Easter and the hope of saints.

Certainly, Christ’s defeat of Satan and the gates of Hades, remains a beacon of joy to his followers, because humans are born with the foreboding yoke of death and disease. Despite the absence of the usual drama that accompany the festival, the ethos of Christ’s death and resurrection is significant today, especially with phenomenal epidemics, social crises and economic woes.

However some theologians say these tragedies often drive some people to embrace Christ and God, due to fear of uncertainties.

Undoubtedly the victory of Christ over death, offers everlasting tonic to man’s dread, in a world of instabilities and misery. Sadly Christians, share in this mass desolation and still bear a disproportionate burden of hostilities for preaching and upholding Christ’s gospel, as the panacea for salvation. These persecutions are mostly prevalent in Middle East, North Korea, India, China and parts of Africa.

In Nigeria, Christians in the north live precariously, due to terrorist attacks by dreaded Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups.  Leah Sharibu is still held by Boko Haram, allegedly for refusing to renounce Christ and embrace Islam. Sharibu’s case and the religious-cum-cultural related savagery in the region, continue to raise national and international concerns.  Several world leaders and prominent clerics have repeatedly denounced these atrocities. However believers are encouraged to forgive their persecutors, as Jesus did. ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’

Clearly, Christians should forgive and pray for their enemies, as epitomized by Jesus, Joseph and Job. Indeed persecutions, tragedies including the virulent Coronavirus, cannot rob Easter of its significance to believers. This is quite pertinent in this sombre Eastertide and its fiery circumstances reverberating man’s fragility and life’s brevity.      

World Kidney Day: Nigerians lament high cost of dialysis, transplant

Adeze Ojukwu

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a debilitating non-communicable condition, affecting nearly 850 million people worldwide, has become a major global concern. Experts fear the silent killer has reached exponential  proportions, with the epicenter in Africa and Asia, due to apparent vulnerabilities. These daunting issues resonated, again this week, as the global community marks another World Kidney Day(WKD), with renewed focus on accelerating affordable services to people.

This year’s theme tagged: ‘Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – from Prevention to Detection and Equitable Access to Care,’ centers on strategies to combat prevalence and impact on patients. The treatise, established in 2006, is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The annual campaign observed in March, focuses  on the importance of the kidneys and  the need to mitigate  frequency and toll of the disease on sufferers by institutionalizing quick response mechanisms.

The Foundation said ‘the global burden is escalating, with ‘one in 10 adults, representing about 850 million people has  CKD. It is projected to become the fifth most common cause of years of life lost globally by 2040 and a major cause of catastrophic health expenditure. Costs of dialysis and transplantation consume 2–3 percent of the annual healthcare budget in high-income countries,’ while most  patients in low-income countries have insufficient access to these life-saving treatments.

Stem cell therapies, hopefully, hold high prospects, with Regeneration Center Thailand, saying ‘Kidney stem cell therapy offers an alternative to transplantation.’

‘With millions of people using renal replacement therapy and dialysis, CKD and End-Stage Renal Disease ‘ERSD’ are increasingly common in global stem cell trials. Cellular therapies are currently used in treating Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD).’ However, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has not approved stem cell kidney treatments in America. Dr  Theophilus Umeizudike, Consultant Nephrologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital  (LASUTH), said ‘more standardized research is necessary before it can be approved for human use.’ Cheerily, CKD ‘can be prevented, while progression to the end-stage can be delayed, with early diagnosis and medication.’ However, many countries lack effective policies on CKD, ‘a progressive loss in kidney function.’

Early detection is crucial in reducing  mortality rates, hence the need for people to go for regular health checks and avoid risky behaviour, including smoking, taking excessive salt and high protein diet. ‘Two new studies from the Netherlands and Korea suggest that high-protein diet is harmful, even to normal kidneys, and worse for obese or diabetic patients and  those with prior cardiovascular events, or a solitary kidney.’ The disorder includes kidney damage, kidney stones, diabetic nephropathy and PKD.
United States(US) Center for Disease Control (CDC) identified major risk factors as ‘diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Others include sedentary lifestyle, obesity, advancing age, and genetics.’ Dr Umeizudike said ‘major causes in Nigeria include chronic glomerulonephritis, HIV infection, sickle cell disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, PKD.’ Sadly the impact of kidney failure, on patients and their families is gruesome, even for survivors. This is largely due to extraneous circumstances,  complications and prohibitive bills.

Indeed the kidney is,  a complex and vital part that requires special care and maintenance. Its multifarious functions in blood production, waste removal, fluid balancing and blood purification, accord it a critical position in human health. Its continuous blood flow, makes it vulnerable to damages from metabolic diseases and infections.

WKD  encourages public activities, such as walks, free health screenings and media publicity to increase awareness and government action on rrenal care. Its  ultimate objective is to mobilise communities and world leaders to accentuate initiatives to improve patient care and survival rates. This is quite pertinent for Nigeria, where renal management  is ineffective, a tragic reflection of the nation’s decadence,  culminating in its current status, as the world’s poverty capital.

The incessant demand for a holistic review of the health sector, in tandem with global benchmarks for budgetary allocations and medical services is quite imperative. The lackadaisical approach of the nation’s administrators to international treaties is appalling, because government officials and their cronies  patronise foreign hospitals, allegedly with public funds, thus undermining citizens’ welfare and infrastructural development. Stakeholders attribute this absurdity to widespread corruption and administrative ineptitude, thus precipitating low-life expectancy, epidemics, food scarcity, socio-economic crisis and general malaise in society.

Clearly, the authorities should go beyond rhetorics and advance innovative schemes to curb the disease across the country, because of the centrality of kidney health to life and productivity.The suffering of renal patients in Nigeria is quite heart-stirring, due to huge costs of dialysis, transplantation and hospitalization, culminating in hopelessness, depression and high mortality rates.

This administration should establish more renal clinics, in order to facilitate effective service delivery on demand. It should also go beyond the usual   phantom displays on WKD, to integrate approprite facilities, within the nation’s health framework, to contain the scourge.  With the nation’s  high unemployment and poverty levels, many patients can hardly pay for dialysis and replacement surgery. Government can emulate other countries, such as Tanzania, India and China, where renal facilities are free or highly subsidized, because they place high premium on citizens’ welfare. Some notable  institutions, which  offer subsidized treatments include Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital(MPUH), India. The Managing Director, Col(Dr) Arun Rastogi said MPUH, a top nephrology-cum-urological super-specialty hospital,  ‘provides affordable services especially in kidney transplant and stone surgeries, to help needy patients.’ ‘For us every life matters and deserves quality health care service,’ Dr Rastogi added.

‘This edition places a great demand  on government to establish more renal centers,  especially in vulnerable communities,’ Umeizudike added. The Federation bemoaned ‘the plight of disadvantaged populations, saying ‘ethnic minorities, rural dwellers, women, children and the elderly should be emphasised.’ ‘Some communities in higher and lower income countries are at greater risk than others, because of ethnicity and socio-economic status, evident in disparities in survival rates, access to standard hospitals and cheap medications.

Clearly, Nigeria needs to mount a comprehensive campaign to combat kidney disease and its humongous toll on citizens.

MPUH set to build ultra-modern kidney hospital in India ---Dr Rastogi

ADEZE OJUKWU

Top Indian Urological-cum-Nephrological institution, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital (MPUH) has concluded plans to build an ultra-modern kidney hospital, as part of its commitment to renal care and human health. Management of the hospital disclosed this in a recent media chat, saying the multi-million structure was necessitated by the escalation of kidney related diseases.

Obviously Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a major global concern, affecting about 10 percent of the world’s population. Sadly only few institutions, across the world, are devoted, wholly to this field of medicine. MPUH stands tall, as one of the few centers for specialised and standardised in treatment of renal and urological diseases across the world.

The kidney is, indeed, a complex and vital organ that requires special care and maintenance. Its multifarious functions in blood production, waste removal, fluid balancing and blood purification, accord it a critical position in promoting good health. Its continuous blood flow, makes it vulnerable to damages from metabolic diseases.
Sadly, kidney ailments seem to be rising according to medical reports, due to several factors, including non-communicable diseases, sedentary lifestyles and genetic factors.

The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) listed diabetes and high blood pressure, as major causes of CKD in adults. ‘Other factors include heart disease, obesity, a family history of CKD, past damage to the kidneys, and older age.’

Undoubtedly, the global burden of renal disease is huge and alarming, requiring serious short and long term interventions, especially in resource-poor nations. Today  kidney failure has become a silent killer, particularly in Africa and Asia. ‘It is estimated that every five minutes, there are two deaths from kidney disease in India alone, with over 500 deaths every day.’ Renal diseases include kidney stones, kidney infection and kidney cancer.

From its humble beginnings, MPUH, Nadiad has become a leading tertiary institution, with a highly skilled medical team, latest equipment and sterling clinical outcomes. MPUH has, so far, performed about 3,300 renal transplants and 7,0000 urological surgeries, particularly stone operations, with several awards and medals, from reputable medical boards, nationally and internationally.

A tour of the center and interaction with the hospital personnel confirmed the hospital’s global reputation, as a beacon of excellence for healing, teaching and research in renal medicine.
From inception, the hospital was conceptualized as a humanitarian mission, so that no one is excluded because ‘every life matters.’ Perhaps this is the secret of the hospital’s string of successes and meteoric rise.

The Medical Director, Dr (Col) Arun Rastogi, was on hand to unveil the hospital’s unique history and founding ideals, which have in no small measure, shot the center to its current iconoclastic position. Dr Rastogi, an accomplished army doctor and administrator said: ‘Empathetic patient care is central to its existence and no patient is turned away for want of funds. Treatment is totally free for those who cannot afford it, which is in tandem with its philosophy: ‘Every Life Deserves World Class Care.’

At 42 years, MPUH has attained high international ranking, even as its patient-focused philosophy, affordable services and humanistic approach have endeared it to patients and doctors in the industry. In a relatively short span, MPUH has become a super-specialty institute for renal treatments and urological surgeries.

The story of the hospital’s unique birth is worth recounting.

In 1971, notable Dr. Virendra Desai, British-trained urologist and a graduate of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital left the shores of the United Kingdom (UK) with a pounding desire to establish a specialist urological hospital in Nadiad, his home town. This decision was his personal response to the growing demand for specialists in treatment of kidney stones  and related diseases in the area.

Dr. Desai sacrificed a more lucrative and attractive opportunity abroad, to mitigate the high prevalence of kidney problems and associated diseases among his people. At that time, the country and the region lacked appropriate institutions and facilities for comprehensive management of nephrological and urological cases.

Due to the magnitude of the project and its cost, he teamed up with an astute industrialist-cum-philanthropist, Shri Jayaramdas Muljibhai Patel, to establish the hospital. Shri Jayaramdas was so enthralled by the project, that he named the hospital in honour of his late father Muljibhai Patel. ‘This partnership was not only timely, but inevitable, because of the enormous funds required to set up such a hospice, along with its structures,  modern operation theater, laboratory, Intensive Care Unit(ICU), dialysis centers, as well as wage bills of paying clinicians, nurses, technologists and ancillary staff.

Despite these financial and administrative challenges, the founding team received  great support from Shri Occhavlal Parikh, Shri Prahlad Patel and other kind-spirited individuals. The founder Chairman, Jairam Bhai, donated about
$100,000 to the new center, which started with just a 20-bed ward and few facilities.

Undoubtedly, the vision of Dr. Virendra, and financial support of Shri. Patel, as well as several philanthropists, who donated additional funds, land and equipment led to the accelerated birthing of the  institute. Gratuitously the project also enjoyed enormous  support from the community, as well as committed clinicians, nurses, technicians and  personnel.
This goodwill culminated in the establishment of the hospital, which was inaugurated by then President of India Neelam Sanjiva Reddy on March 19, 1978.

However, Dr Virendra Desai died suddenly, four years after the hospital’s establishment. Despite this huge loss, Shri Jayaramdas  worked tenuously to make their shared dream a reality.
With the demise of  Dr Virendra, the mantle of leadership fell on another  dedicated world-class urologist, Dr Mahesh Desai. Incidentally both urologists were trained by same British surgeons.
Desai teamed up with Dr Mohan Rajapurkar, a renowned nephrologist, to propel the institution to its present gigantic status.

Obviously the hospital’s towering position hangs on the shoulders of these humanitarian icons and team of highly skilled experts, whose onerous sacrifices contributed immensely to its meteoric rise. Clearly MPUH’S global influence largely stems from its compassionate roots and dedicated professionals, who consciously bear and epitomize the huge vision of the hospital in their hearts and minds.

Under the visionary leadership of the current chairman, Shri Rohit Patel, the hospital has expanded its horizons by attracting top-flight medical experts, maintaining clinical best practices, acquiring latest technology and improving infrastructural development.
This is stated in the hospital’s profile statement.
‘Our high quality management and infrastructure are complemented by a team of expert doctors led by Dr. Mahesh Desai,  who provide their patients clinical services of global standard for urology and nephrology.

We have been able to offer advanced treatments and ultra-modern infrastructure to our patients with the help of philanthropic gestures from society and the trustees of the hospital. Besides investing in technology and infrastructure upkeep, we use these donations for rendering pro-bono services to those who can’t afford the treatment. ‘The cost of free treatment we have rendered so far exceeds $140,000 and we will continue to provide the best possible medical care to everyone at affordable price.’

Nadiad hospital, unarguably, parades a formidable team of world acclaimed surgeons, nephrologists, and clinicians.

First is Dr. Mahesh Desai, Managing Trustee Dr Desai, the Managing Trustee of the hospital said the robotic unit of the hospital has performed 1,300 robotic procedures in urology. ‘The hospital is poised to do more with the latest plans to build an ultra-modern 200 bed project,’ he noted. He lamented increasing incidences of renal diseases, which have become a growing national worry.
‘One in every 10 adults in India suffers from CKD, largely, due to the alarming rise in diabetes and hypertension both in India and rest of the world.’ ‘Medical records show that 40 to 60 percent of cases is due to these underlying diseases,’ Dr Desai added.

Also speaking, Dr Rajapurkar, said CKD puts the patient at risk for bone diseases, metabolic abnormalities and cardio-vascular conditions. According to him regular medical check-up is necessary for early detection and treatment. The hospital, he noted, ‘provides immunological profile assessment that helps prevent any organ rejection in transplantation cases.’ In cases of a marginal donor, detailed pre-transplant screening is provided for optimal results.

The transplant ward has an Ultrasonography (USG) machine, which expedites graft biopsy as well as timely clinical assessments, diagnosis and interventions. The medical team also holds weekly meetings to review and  maintain clinical targets on transplant cases.

The hospital has a fully equipped computerized and digitalized reporting and  documentation system for proper records and clinical monitoring. It maintains a high infection control standards, in line with global best practices. It is not surprising that the hospital recently received the 2019/2020 Kaya Kalp Award for Private Hospitals, from the Indian Ministry of Health and Welfare.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility(CRS), MPUH organizes regular free public health screenings across several communities. ‘At our camps we also screen children between the ages of five to eight years for genital urinary tract deformities, which if undetected can lead to kidney failure and death.’
However, ‘with early detection and adequate treatment, they can lead a normal life. Blood pressure, diabetes and kidney stones, which are leading causes of kidney disease are also diagnosed at these camps,’ he added.

As a charitable ‘’not for profit’’ hospital, surplus funds are reinvested in infrastructural development and treatment of  indigent patients.
Dr Sujata Rajapurkar, who heads  the Medical Social Work(MSW) department, said ‘needy patients are  given up to 20 percent free treatment.

The department aids the process of collecting donations hence some of the patients are treated absolutely free.’ ‘Philanthropists, who aid specific patients are kept abreast of the progress of the patients and expenditure. Sometimes we ask patients to write to them directly,’ she added.

According to her, the hospital provides subsidized general wards, while semi and special rooms are charged more than the general wards. ‘The excess costs take care of the poor patients. All our patients receive the same optimal services, irrespective of economic or social status.’
Indeed, MPUH has made India proud and put Nadiad town on the world map for kidney care. Its impact has reached all corners of the country and the globe. It is against this backdrop that management is mobilising resources  to build an ultra-modern 200-bed hospital. This-mega structure is part of its resolve to continue to advance optimal nephro-urology health delivery. The approximate budget of the project is about $15-16 million.

The management is optimistic that the proposed multi-million hub, will definitely open a new vista in the life of the hospital and global renal family. It is expected to be a state-of-the art medical edifice, that requires the support of every one especially governments, international agencies, the corporate world.