Cost Of Dialysis In Nigeria Currently (2024)
This article is about the cost of dialysis in Nigeria this 2024. Because of the growing number of kidney disease cases in the country, and the fact that many Nigerians are unaware of how much to spend when such challenges arise, it has become imperative that we write to intimate our readers on the amount of money it would cost them to pay in order to get dialysis treatment done in the country presently.
The process of dialysis helps a kidney disease patient to filter and purify their blood using a specialized machine called the dialysis machine. This medical equipment helps to act as the kidneys of the patient whose renal system has failed, keeping their fluids and electrolytes in balance when the kidneys cannot perform their functions anymore pending when there is a successful kidney transplant.
Renal failure is one of the most challenging health issues in the country presently and when this happens, many people are referred to hospitals that can effectively manage it; alternatively, one can go for kidney transplant if they do not want to undergo dialysis treatment when their kidney fails. The price of dialysis however, comes to mind and this is what this article is centred on as we proceed below.
COST OF DIALYSIS IN NIGERIA 2024
On the average, the current cost dialysis in Nigeria this 2024 is between the price range of ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 for every session. What this means is that in a week, the cost will amount to anywhere between the sum of ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 or more. So based on your number of dialysis sessions per week, the average amount to pay for dialysis treatment in Nigeria will cost between ₦340,000 – ₦400,000 monthly. The prices vary from hospital to hospital.
As aforementioned, the hospital or clinic where one goes to get dialysis treatment in the country affects the amount to be paid, with private hospitals charging more that government hospitals. Some of the private hospitals in the country can charge over ₦50,000 per dialysis session and by the end of a month of treatment, a patient would have spent close to or over ₦1 million.
Also, the difference in price ranges may be due to location. For example, dialysis procedures in some parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Nigeria.
WHO ARE THOSE THAT NEED DIALYSIS TREATMENT?
People who need dialysis treatment are those whose kidneys have failed. Their kidney functions have stopped working normally and cannot filter and purify their own blood as well as maintain electrolyte balance. Once a person’s kidneys cannot perform their normal functions effectively to the point where their bodies fail to balance their own fluids anymore, that person needs a kidney dialysis treatment so as to enable them flush waste materials out of their blood pending when a kidney transplant is done.
Certain signs that show that person may be suffering from renal failure include vomiting, tiredness, frequent urination, puffiness around the eyes, blood in urine, foamy urine, dry and itchy skin, discomfort in sleeping, swollen ankles and feet, poor appetite, muscle cramping, to mention but a few.
If you notice some symptoms that you are not comfortable with, you may need to consult your doctor as they are the only ones that can offer you expert medical advice on any health challenge you may be facing. Getting a dialysis treatment started depends the age of the patient, their energy level, laboratory test results that show the extent of the kidney damage and the patient’s willingness to be timely treated.
HOW THE PROCESS OF DIALYSIS WORKS
Different types of dialysis processes exist but every one of them serves the same function. During conventional haemodialysis which is done about three times a week, for about three to four hours each, depending on the patient, the patient’s blood is drawn out through a tube and then connected to a gauge needle which is fit into the dialysis fistula or graft, or connected to one port of a dialysis catheter.
The blood is then pumped through the dialyzer, after which the processed blood is pumped back into the patient’s bloodstream via another tube that is connected to a second needle. In this treatment procedure, the patient’s blood pressure is very well monitored; once it becomes low, or the patient develops any other signs of low blood volume such as nausea, the dialysis attendant can then administer extra fluid through the machine. During this treatment, the patient’s entire blood volume circulates through the machine every 15 minutes.
Hemodialysis can be done in various medical centres such as hospitals, dialysis centres or even at home and can be done for at least three times a week depending on how critical the disease is. Home treatment usually takes longer than hospital treatment but it can be more convenient for patients as they can enjoy the comfort of home while taking treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING DIALYSIS TREATMENT
Dialysis treatment does not hurt but it has been observed by many patients undergoing the procedure that they may notice certain side effects which doesn’t spell doom. These are normal with the process but it is still advisable to talk to your doctor about it. One of the most common side effects during dialysis treatment is low blood pressure. Others include the feeling of vomiting, dry skin, cramps, to mention but a few.
For these side effects to be reduced, you may need to watch what you eat as certain foods tend to affect how the body will respond during the treatment process. Kindly consult your doctor on the foods to avoid when undergoing dialysis treatment as well as the right amounts of fluids to take. These will go a long way in ensuring that a dialysis patient stays healthy pending when a kidney transplant is done. You may need to stop consuming alcohol and quit smoking.
