Ntsoaki Motaung
The Ministry of Health this week unveiled a new dialysis unit at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH), marking a significant milestone in Lesotho’s healthcare sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, declared that the launch of this unit signalled a new era of healthcare in Lesotho.
Mochoboroane emphasised that this development demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving health services for its citizens.
He highlighted the generosity of the government of Japan and the Tokushukai Medical Group, which donated 20 additional dialysis machines and developed the necessary infrastructure to support them.
He said approximately seven years ago, the Tokushukai Medical Group made a significant contribution to Lesotho’s healthcare system by donating 10 dialysis machines to Motebang Hospital in Leribe, which became operational in October 2017.
“This initial gift enabled us to establish our first dialysis unit, which started with 10 patients in 2017 and has dialysed a total of 186 patients to date. This is a demonstration that the unit has been serving our people faithfully and effectively,” Mochoboroane added.
The minister noted the profound impact of the initial donation, which has saved countless lives and provided essential care to those suffering from renal diseases.
He described the latest donation as a monumental step forward, allowing the country to double its capacity to treat patients in need of dialysis. “This signifies a long-term partnership and a shared vision for a healthier future,” he said.
“In addition to this generous donation, Tokushukai has also committed to training our doctors, nurses, and biomedical technicians,” Mochoboroane continued. “This comprehensive approach ensures that we not only have the necessary equipment but also the human resource capacity to manage and maintain these vital services.”
He explained that healthcare professionals would undergo specialised training in cohorts, building a team of experts capable of providing the highest level of care to patients.
“While this gift greatly enhances our ability to treat renal diseases, we must also emphasise the importance of prevention. It is crucial that we educate our population on measures to prevent kidney disease and other related conditions. For those already affected, this new unit represents hope and improved quality of life,” he stressed.
Shuzo Kobayashi, the Executive Managing Director for Tokushukai Medical Group, said that the group operates 20 dialysis centers in 19 African countries and seven in Asian countries.
Kobayashi added that the first team from Lesotho was trained in 2017 and had successfully maintained the first center in Leribe.
“Half a month ago, the second team of five staff from QMMH, comprising two doctors, two nurses, and one medical engineer, left for training at Shonan Kamakura General Hospital.”
Dr. Thabang Tšenoli, a nephrologist in the Renal Unit at QMMH, expressed his gratitude, saying the dialysis services would now be available in Maseru, benefiting those who cannot afford private services.
He underscored the immeasurable impact this would have on ordinary citizens, stating: “I have seen young people facing untimely death because of the unavailability of dialysis services, and this I have seen much too often. Thankfully, this is about to end.”
