The cost of a Kidney in South Africa
The kidneys remove waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells. Approximately 4300 people are waiting for a life-saving organ or cornea transplant in South Africa, but only 0,2% of our population are registered organ donors. In South Africa, in many cases as a result of lifestyle diseases, renal failure is an increasing problem and the need for kidney transplants is huge. Live organ or kidney donations could therefore offer hope to people with renal failure.
What is the function of a Kidney?
The Kidney’s main job is to cleanse the blood of toxins and transform the waste into urine. Each kidney weighs about 160 grams and gets rid of between one and one-and-a-half litres of urine per day. The two kidneys together filter 200 litres of fluid every 24 hours. to the blood.
How much is a Human Kidney in South Africa?
On Average, the cost of a kidney could range from between R126,637.28 to R 271,365.60 in South Africa.
How Do I Donate My Kidney to Make Money in South Africa?
You can you donate your kidneys in South Africa , through the following:
- Western Cape Government
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/organ-donation-south-africa
- Groote Schuur Hospital
- Red Cross Children’s Hospital
- Tygerberg Hospital
- National Kidney Foundation
https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/general-information-living-donation
What do I need to know before I donate a Kidney in South Africa?
You can become a donor provided:
- You are under the age 70,
- You are in good health, and
- if you are clear of any predefined chronic diseases that might cause further health complications for the recipient(s).
How live kidney donations work
Live donations happen in South Africa, but only among family members, and are usually for kidneys or part of a liver. For instance, a mother will give a sick daughter one of her kidneys after a suitability test is performed.
According to Jooste, fortunately, the side effects for kidney donors are minimal. He shared his experience, ‘I’m a kidney donor myself. I gave a kidney to my child in 2007 and I haven’t experienced significant health problems after the donation’.
Who can be a living kidney donor?
You must be at least 18 years old at all transplant centers. Some centers require a donor to be 21 or a little older. There are some medical conditions that could prevent you from being a living donor. These include having uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, HIV, hepatitis, or acute infections. You should always let the transplant center decide if you can be a living donor.
