AS Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Kidney Day, today, the Federal Government has been urged to regulate the activities of dialysis centres across the nation to prevent avoidable deaths in renal clinics.

The Nigerian Association of Nephrology, NAN, who gave the charge in Lagos, argued that non-regulatory activities of newer dialysis centres in the country pose great risks to kidney patients.

The medical experts called on governments at all levels to check the menace to prevent avoidable deaths.

In a joint press statement signed by the President of NAN, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye and the Secretary; Dr Samuel Ajayi, the duo, disclosed that doctors at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, will organise public medical checks, health talk at Freedom Park for Nigerians amongst others, lamented the various activities that go on in some of the newer dialysis centres across the country.

The duo, criticised ‘non-regulation of the activities of newer dialysis centres in the country,’ while stressing the need for ‘partnership with relevant agencies concerned in streamlining the activities of such centres.’

According to them, “There is  need to have trained nephrology and dialysis personnel to man such centres.”

They also flayed what they described as ‘increasing rate of organ trafficking and medical tourism in the country,’ and called for ‘an effective legislation against the practice.’

The group urged ‘government to encourage local centres in the delivery of transplantation services by funding and enhancing capacity development in order to reduce capital flight as a result of the medical tourism. The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day is “Kidneys age, Just like you.”