Govt launches dialysis centre at QMMH

LINEO MABEKEBEKE
MASERU – The Ministry of Health, supported by the Government of Lesotho, has launched the Dialysis Centre at the Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH).
This milestone is the culmination of a generous and transformative gift from Tokushukai Medical Group, marking a new era for kidney care in the country.
The Tokushukai Medical Group is one of the largest medical service providers in Japan, which operates hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across that East Asian country.
The newly established dialysis centre is dedicated to helping individuals with kidney problems. It offers a chronic kidney disease clinic, where a specialised team of providers works together to deliver comprehensive care for people with kidney disorders.
The centre stands as a beacon of hope for those who previously had limited access to such crucial medical services. At the official launch this week, Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, reflected on the journey that led to this momentous occasion.
He recalled that about seven years ago, the Ambassador of Japan made a significant contribution by donating 10 dialysis machines to Motebang Hospital, which became operational in October 2017.
“This initial gift enabled the country to establish it’s first-ever dialysis unit, starting with 10 patients in 2017,” Mochoboroane said.
“To date, we have dialyzed a total of 186 patients. This unit has been serving Basotho people fully, faithfully, and effectively, demonstrating the profound impact of the donation in saving countless lives and providing much-needed care to those suffering from renal diseases.”
Japan’s ambassador to Lesotho, Shigera Ushio, expressed his government’s hope that the new dialysis centre at QMMH, will significantly improve the serious medical situation in Lesotho.
He highlighted the role of Tokushukai Medical Group, which trained a total of five doctors, nurses, and technicians. This marks the second time that Tokushukai has hosted Lesotho’s medical professionals for training.
“We reiterate our request to the Ministry of Health to ensure that not only the hospital but also all medical equipment provided by the Japanese government is managed and operated efficiently in Lesotho,” Ushio said.
“While these efforts are gradually yielding results, it must be said that Lesotho’s healthcare system still requires much attention. Japan will continue to contribute to the development of healthcare in Lesotho, together with the Ministry of Health.”
Ambassador Ushio noted that while providing medical equipment is common among medical organisations, Tokushukai distinguishes itself by also offering training for those who use the equipment.
“In response to this sense of mission, I am glad to hear that all the trainees from Lesotho were firmly committed to the training and actively engaged in it. The passionate energy of both parties is paving the way for the future of Lesotho’s healthcare.”
Dr. Thabang Tšenoli, a kidney specialist at the QMMH, highlighted the centre’s importance for struggling patients. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the QMMH management team for their collaboration with Tokushukai Medical Group in bringing the Dialysis Centre to those who cannot afford private services.
“The impact of this equipment on the ordinary citizens of this country is unimaginable. We have seen young people facing untimely death due to the unavailability of dialysis services. Thankfully, this is about to end. We thank our donors for their exceptional skills in setting up this dialysis unit and their readiness to provide technical support.”
Shuzo Kobayashi, the executive managing director of Tokushukai Medical Group, reiterated the group’s commitment to improving kidney failure treatment in Lesotho.
“We trained the first team from Lesotho in 2017, which has maintained the smooth functioning of the first centre at Motebang Hospital in Leribe.
“We hope the new centre at QMMH will operate efficiently and provide the best treatment for patients, with support from all hospitals.”
The establishment of the QMMH dialysis centre marks a significant advancement for Lesotho, now home to its second dialysis centre.
Tokushukai Medical Group’s previous donation of a dialysis centre in Leribe highlighted the pressing need for such facilities in the capital city, leading to the decision to support the new centre at QMMH.