The Buea Regional Dialysis Centre was established in 2012 with 8 treatment posts, allowing 20 patients to receive 3 treatment sessions per week. However, the growing number of patients led to the following challenges: 6 functional treatment posts for 135 patients, frequent equipment breakdowns and little time for preventive maintenance. Repairs took long, nurses had little resting periods, patients faced long waiting times for treatment, and the treatment duration was reduced from 4 hours to 3 hours and 30 minutes to accommodate more patients each day.
In 2023, the government, through the Ministry of Public Health, initiated an extension project to alleviate the challenges faced by the Buea Regional Dialysis Centre and improve the quality of life for patients. Following a thorough selection process focusing on companies capable of addressing these issues and ensuring the centre’s sustainable operation, Gima-Bambot Healthcare Ltd., was chosen to execute the project.
With the new building completed, Gima-Bambot Healthcare Ltd., began the installation on November 23rd, 2023, and completed this phase by November 30th, 2023. Subsequently, their training team provided rigorous practical training for the nurses on the newly installed B.Braun Avitum AG system. Treatment with the new equipment commenced on January 1st, 2024, with continuous support from experienced in-house nurses.
Since January 1st, 2024, patients at the Buea Regional Dialysis Centre are benefiting from 13 additional treatment posts, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Nurses now work in shifts with adequate rest periods, and the equipment undergoes regular preventive maintenance and monitoring. Patients no longer face long waiting times for treatment, and the standard treatment duration of 4 hours per patient has been maintained.