On Tuesday March 1, the Mpumalanga Department of Health marked a historical accomplishment by performing the first Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter operation successfully at Rob Ferreira Hospital.

This is the first operation of its kind in the history of the department. According to the department, it was performed on a patient who was in the final stages of renal failure. The Tenckoff catheter is used for peritoneal dialysis.The MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, applauded the progress to achieve results in the delivery of healthcare services.

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“This is definitely a good story to tell, because we won’t have to send patients to Gauteng for this procedure. Now they can access nephrology services closer to home. The nephrology OPD services is up and running in the hospital, and thanks to the dedicated nephrologist currently reviewing all the patients on the dialysis programme.”

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Mathapello Nkambule, a community member, commented on the department’s group announcement of the successful procedure and said she appreciated the services. “Thank you so much, MEC Manzini, for putting us first. I have renal failure and I am benefitting from that renal unit. I get dialysis three times a week. I do not have to stress about travelling to Gauteng for check-ups anymore. May God bless you abundantly, Ma’am.” Another community member, Skhumbuzo Maseko, said, “Thanks to Rob Ferreira Hospital medical manager and the CEO of the hospital.”