Cimas Haemodialysis Centre addressing increasing demand for dialysis treatment

The Cimas Haemodialysis Centre is actively addressing the increasing demand for dialysis treatment while integrating sustainable, innovative solutions to enhance patient care.

This was revealed by the Cimas Health Group’s CEO, Mr Vuli Ndlovu on the occasion of the Cimas Haemodialysis Centre media tour in a speech read on his behalf by Yvonne Sibanda, the General Manager of the Cimas Medical Aid Society.

“Through our Haemodialysis Centre, we are actively addressing the increasing demand for dialysis treatment while integrating sustainable, innovative solutions to enhance patient care. As part of Cimas Health Group’s commitment to providing accessible, reliable, world-class, technology-driven healthcare solutions, we remain dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly in specialised areas such as nephrology. This aligns with our purpose to inspire healthier communities.

“As we commemorate World Kidney Day, we encourage all Zimbabweans to prioritise their kidney health through regular screenings, early detection, and lifestyle changes that can prevent kidney disease. We stand with patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in advocating for better kidney health awareness, early intervention, and sustainable treatment solutions. Together, We Can Make a Difference by raising awareness, educating the community, and promoting early intervention; we can work towards a healthier future for all Zimbabweans,” Sibanda said.

The Cimas Health Group is the country’s longest-established private medical aid society and health and wellness service provider. The media tour of the Haemodialysis Centre was part of Cimas’ 2025 World Kidney Day commemorations.

World Kidney Day, commemorated annually worldwide, is being observed this year under the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK?”. This day is a global platform to raise awareness of kidney health, early detection, and access to life-saving treatment.

The Cimas Health Group Haemodialysis Centre opened its doors to kidney failure patients in February 1999 as a joint venture with Baxter International- Gambro Lundia AB of Sweden. The purpose was to provide private renal replacement therapy in Harare.

This initiative was driven by the limited availability of haemodialysis treatment facilities in Zimbabwe, which often forced acute and chronic kidney failure patients to seek urgent dialysis services outside the country.

The Cimas Health Group recognises Zimbabwe’s growing burden of kidney disease and the critical need for sustainable, high-quality dialysis services.

The dialysis centre operates with a 24-hour on-call service for emergencies, ensuring that patients receive care when they need it most.

Kidney disease is a significant health concern not only in Zimbabwe, due to limited access to early diagnosis and treatment, which could help manage the disease in its initial stages.

Additionally, Zimbabwe records approximately 1,000 cases of kidney failure each year. However, only about 700 patients are considered to have access to dialysis treatment, leaving many without the care they desperately need. The availability of dialysis services is mainly concentrated in urban areas like Harare, making it difficult for patients in rural regions to receive timely treatment.

Regular screening is essential if someone is at risk of kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. Routine visits to healthcare providers who can detect kidney issues early, especially for those with risk factors are encouraged. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes.

Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in reducing the risk of kidney disease. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure, contributing to better kidney health.

Since high blood pressure can cause kidney damage, it is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly and manage it through a balanced diet, physical activity, and medication when necessary.

Maintaining a kidney-friendly diet is also vital. A diet low in salt and processed foods but rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports kidney function and overall well-being. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in protecting kidney health and preventing long-term complications.

The Cimas Health Group Dialysis Centre provides services to chronic and acute kidney failure patients and kidney transplant work-up services. Its dialysis services are supported by an experienced nephrologist, on-site service engineers, skilled intensive care nurses, and dedicated administrative staff.

In addition, it offers mobile haemodialysis services for patients admitted to intensive care units and renal treatment for patients over 60. With state-of-the-art Baxter AK98 dialysis machines and automatic LikaMed Dialysis chairs, Cimas uphold exceptionally high standards of treatment. Its treatment capacity has significantly helped reduce the strain on the dialysis unit at Parirenyatwa Hospital, where many renal patients receive care.

The Haemodialysis Centre was established to ensure that patients requiring dialysis receive uninterrupted, reliable, and efficient care, which is crucial for their health and well-being.

One of the standout features of the centre is its ability to function independently of the national electricity grid. A 65Kv solar system fully powers the centre to ensure uninterrupted operations even during electricity outages. Backup power sources include the 85Kv generators and the three-phase ZESA power supply.

Given the ongoing electricity crisis in Zimbabwe, this innovative solution enhances the reliability of our services while underscoring our commitment to sustainability in healthcare provision. This ensures that dialysis patients receive uninterrupted treatment at all times.

In addition to energy security, the centre has its water purification plant, a critical component for dialysis procedures. Since dialysis requires a constant supply of purified water to ensure patient safety and effective treatment, Cimas has installed a state-of-the-art Gambro WRO 103H centralised dialysis water treatment plant and 50,000-litre water reservoir tanks.

This in-house water system guarantees a steady, uncontaminated water supply, reinforcing our commitment to patient-centered care.

Cimas’ self-sufficiency in power and water resources significantly enhances its ability to provide consistent, high-quality care to patients, regardless of external challenges.