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All kidney patients promised humanitarian support

By By MD RASOOLDEEN RIYADH: The Kingdom will lend humanitarian support to kidney patients in the Kingdom irrespective of nationality or religion, general supervisor of Prince Fahd bin Salman Charity Association for Renal Failure Patients Care ("Kellana") Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in Riyadh on Monday.

Prince Abdulaziz, who is also the assistant minister for petroleum affairs, was speaking at a press conference on Monday to announce the Fifth Saudi International Conference on Nephrology and Transplantation, scheduled to be held in Riyadh on Feb. 19.

Chairman of the Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation Dr. Abdul Kareem Al-Suwaida, and Kellana Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Al-Doghaiter were also present. The four-day event is being organized by the Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation and "Kellana."

"Kellana, an organization headed by Defense Minister Prince Salman, is dedicated to serving patients in general and kidney patients in particular," the prince said, adding the organization is keen on serving people living in the Kingdom whether they are Muslims or not, Saudis or expatriates. The organization, which has stemmed from the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, is devoted to serving patients affected with renal problems.

As for support for the non-nationals, the prince explained humanitarian support would be considered for those who suffer from the disease during their stay in the Kingdom.

He hoped the forthcoming meeting would highlight the achievements made by the Kingdom in the field of treating kidney patients and provide an opportunity for participants to exchange their experiences with other international experts who come out with the latest advances in the treatment of kidney diseases.

Speaking about Kellana, the prince said the vast proliferation of renal failure cases persuaded Prince Salman when he was Riyadh governor to establish a charitable body to assist patients suffering from such conditions.

At the time of the establishment of Kellana in 1980, the number of renal failure patients was 81 and now has risen to 13,000.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the organization conducted a nationwide survey to ascertain the volume of renal failure patients throughout the Kingdom. It regularly conducts health, social, educational and rehabilitative programs related to kidney diseases.

Thanking those who made voluntary donations to Kellana, the prince said the organization was able to help 800 kidney patients through this project.

"It is a major conference that would focus on kidney transplantation and other related topics," Al-Suwaida said, adding the event would include 20 international and 40 local speakers who will present 80 research papers.

The conference will also feature an exhibition where a large number of pharmaceutical companies and health institutions will display their products and services during the four day of the symposium.

The organizing committee of the conference is headed by Faisal Al-Saif. The scientific committee headed by Dr. Khalid Al-Meshari has prepared an informative scientific program to bring together an international faculty of experts in the fields of chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, transplantation and hypertension.

The Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation was founded in 2001 on the initiative of King Saud University and aims to promote the prevention and treatment of kidney disease through leadership, education research and scientific communication.

Al-Doghaiter said the forum will bring both the private and public sector together on a common platform to help the cause of kidney patients. Representatives from King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH), National Guard, Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital, Security Forces Hospital, King Khalid University and Ministry of Health will take part in the event, among others.

© Arab News 2012