Medical experts invite Nigerian doctor to speak on kidney transplants in Oman

Medical experts across the globe have invited some doctors among whom are a Nigerian doctor to speak at a conference in Oman.

The medical experts were invited to speak at the Oman Society of Nephrology and Transplantation (OSNT) International Nephrology Conference held at picturesque Millennium Resort in Salalah, Oman.

The event was held between 7th and 9th September 2023.

This inaugural event themed “Kidney Across Borders: Collaborating for Better Care,” was attended by scores of medical experts and doctors among whom are Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the founder of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre.

Olatise, who is renowned for his exceptional contributions to the medical field, especially in kidney transplants, in his first workshop titled “Vascular Access,” emphasized its rarity in Nigerian hospitals and advocated for more practitioners to embrace it as an advanced and less painful approach to patient care.

Olatise while addressing the gathering declared that at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, they had successfully practiced Vascular Access for two years without a single complication.

He added that as a result of this, the hospital has been recognized by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) as a Centre of Excellence in Interventional Nephrology.

While acknowledging that there is still much work to be done to bring Nigerian hospitals on par with their counterparts in developed countries, Olatise saluted the doggedness of his colleagues back home and commended the impressive pace at which medical practices in Nigeria were evolving.

On the second day of the conference, a panel co-chaired by Olatise delved into the topic of “Common Medical Complications in Kidney Transplantation: Our Experience.”

This discussion analysed the notable kidney transplant surgery performed in 2022 on the renowned Nigerian DJ, Jimmy Jatt, at Zenith Medical and Kidney Care, Abuja.

Following his surgery, DJ Jimmy Jatt produced a documentary detailing his exceptional treatment throughout the diagnosis, surgery, and post-surgery phases.

He openly shared his initial skepticism about using a Nigerian hospital for such a complex surgical operation.

Olatise while speaking further, acknowledged that this perception is one of the challenges faced by Nigerian doctors, as there is often an assumption of inferior medical practice.

Another substantial challenge highlighted by Olatise is the difficulty of acquiring the necessary equipment for complex surgeries.

He said, “These machines are not only expensive but also face logistical hurdles when brought into Nigeria. As a result, the average Nigerian cannot afford some of these medical procedures, leading to preventable deaths”.

Olatise while speaking on his experience in kidney transplantation in Nigeria, averred that based on ethical considerations, his facility and its personnel do not interfere in donor-sourcing by transplant patients. He however acknowledged that many patients have lamented the unwillingness of living, related donors to donate one of their kidneys to their relatives battling chronic kidney diseases. This is in spite of several counselling sessions on the safety of such voluntary, lifesaving act.

He therefore advocated for increasing organ donation following death as a potential solution to the shortage of donors for those in need of kidney transplants. He emphasized that a larger pool of willing donors could significantly expedite the process of providing cures to patients.

Olatise concluded by expressing his determination to overcome challenges and continue improving the services at Zenith Medical and Kidney Care. The conference concluded, leaving attendees enriched with knowledge, new networks, and shared ideas, all contributing to the advancement of medical practices in Nigeria and beyond.