Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, officially launched the Kidney Transplant Program on Friday, 24th November, 2023. The launch was conducted during a special edition of Health Wise on ZIZ Radio and Television.
This special programme was hosted by Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale, Generol surgeon at Joseph N. France General Hospital, President of St Kitts and Nevis Medical and Dental Association and Head of the Emergency Medical Services at JNF.
While acknowledging the rising health problems such as renal disease, hypertension, obesity and diabetes etc. PM Drew focused on the government’s dedication and efforts in providing accessible healthcare to all the citizens of the island nation.
Talking about the Kidney Transplant program, PM Drew stated that it is the preferred option over current dialysis treatment for the improved and good health quality life of the citizens.
PM Drew stated that this program will benefit the citizens of the island nation a lot. He added that they want to provide their citizens with the best and cheaper health care facilities and for that renal transplant is the best option for the treatment of the renal disease.
The Minister of Health also shared his views and stated that this is the exciting news especially for the ones who need definitive treatment.
The initiative was started when Dr Drew met a renowned transplant and bariatric surgeon, Dr Nadey Hakim. Dr Nadey Hakim, a professor at Imperial College London and a surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London.
Dr Hakim collaborated with the government of St Kitts and Nevis to establish the Kidney Transplant Program.
Dr Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions at JNF expressed his views that this program will not just remove the financial burden on the patients but will also give hope to the people suffering from end-stage renal disease.
The Kidney Transplant Program has played a huge role in framing St Kitts and Nevis health landscape which will offer hope and advanced medical care to the ones in need.