Prevent Kidney Patients from Dying by Negligence
On August 27th, 2023, the Governor urgently addressed the Federal Minister of Health regarding the deteriorating condition of kidney patients in the state. The Governor requested immediate intervention and demanded criminal accountability for the leaders of the Ministry of Health and the supply team. The Governor also urged for the release of 74,000 donated dialysis, currently stored in Port Sudan under the order of the Federal Ministry of Health. The Governor mentioned that the ministry had allowed pharmaceutical companies to import drugs without proper registration, based on the necessities of war.
The Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan released a statement regarding kidney dialysis in the country. It explained that dialysis supply was cut off at the start of the war, but the state managed to provide 130,000 dialysis through medical supplies transfers. They have also arranged to purchase further supplies for the next three months, expected to arrive soon.
During the period from August 10 to September 15, there was a shortage of dialysis , but communication with companies and supporters resulted in the provision of 6,000 dialysis from the World Health Organization and distribution of dialysis from Fresenius. Qatar Charity agreed to provide 20,000 dialysis , which arrived on time but lacked belts, causing delays in their use. Qatar Charity has since purchased belts and the dialysis are being shipped from Turkey to Sudan. The Ministry of Finance has also agreed to purchase 6,500 dialysis . Overall, the necessary arrangements have been made and there are currently enough dialysis available.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Health’s failure to find a timely solution to the crisis is evident as they have set a minimum response period of two weeks without considering the time required for distribution procedures. This lack of action results in the deaths of patients every day. Furthermore, there is a stock of 74,000 dialysis in Port Sudan, with 20,000 available for immediate use to alleviate the crisis. However, it seems that our health leaders are mismanaging the drug supply file. Qualified pharmacists are being overlooked while leaders are redirected to other roles without fulfilling their responsibilities.
The efficiency of Sudanese healthcare needs to be assessed before any improvements can be made. Political activists who have contributed to the depletion of resources for patients should not be prioritised. Political involvement in the healthcare sector should be prohibited and healthcare activists should not engage in politics or armed struggle. The incentives and entitlements of directors in public departments within the Federal Ministry of Health should be audited by the Auditor General. Obtaining transparency from the Ministry of Health, particularly regarding cancer drugs, is unlikely. Ultimately, individuals must trust in Allah for their well-being.