The Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, Eric Seddy Kutortse, has urged the government of Ghana to legislate the harvesting of kidneys and other vital organs from deceased individuals to revolutionise kidney transplantation and overall healthcare delivery in the country.

Speaking at the 22nd Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of First Sky Group at the Accra International Conference Centre, Mr. Kutortse emphasised the critical need for such legislation to address the soaring cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Ghana.

Mr. Kutortse emphasised that the lack of a legislative regime to support harvesting organs from deceased persons seriously threatened its potential to save countless lives.

He noted that kidney transplantation remains the best treatment for ESKD, yet access to viable organs remains a significant hurdle. Citing medical research, he revealed that kidneys remain viable for up to 18 hours after death, presenting a crucial window for harvesting and transplantation.

“Many lives can be saved if the government and relevant stakeholders collaborate to pass legislation allowing medical practitioners to harvest kidneys and other vital organs from deceased individuals,” Mr. Kutortse remarked.

The First Sky Group, under Mr. Kutortse's leadership, has been a trailblazer in supporting kidney care in Ghana. Since 2016, the company has spent over GHC 36 million on free dialysis and kidney transplant programs at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

To date, 16 patients suffering from chronic end-stage kidney disease have undergone life-saving kidney transplants funded by the company, with plans to support four additional patients by the end of January.

This philanthropic effort has been lauded as a critical intervention in a country where kidney replacement therapy (KRT)—comprising haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation—is often inaccessible to the majority due to high costs.

Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, Acting CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, joined Mr. Kutortse in advocating for the legislation

He assured of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s continued partnership with the First Sky Group and other stakeholders to push for laws that would allow the harvesting, storage, and transplantation of vital organs such as kidneys, hearts, and bones.

“Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is ready to lead the way in ensuring this legislation benefits not just Ghanaian patients but also those across Africa,” Dr. Sekyere stated.

He commended the First Sky Group for its unparalleled commitment to renal healthcare, which has seen over GH₵50 million in donations over the years.

Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah pledged government support for the initiative.

He assured attendees that the President would initiate consultations to explore the necessary steps toward passing the proposed legislation.

“This initiative aligns with our commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana. We will engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate laws are enacted to save lives,” Mr. Debrah affirmed.

The call for legislation marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s healthcare narrative. With chronic kidney disease cases on the rise, innovative solutions like organ harvesting from deceased individuals could provide a lifeline for many.

As the First Sky Group and other stakeholders continue their advocacy, the hope is that policymakers will recognize the urgency of this issue and act decisively to bridge the gap in organ transplantation services.

The advocacy by Mr. Kutortse and Dr. Sekyere, backed by the government’s commitment, presents a beacon of hope for thousands of Ghanaians battling kidney disease. If successful, the proposed legislation could usher in a new era of healthcare delivery, where lifesaving organ transplants are no longer a privilege but a right accessible to all.

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