Our unique innovation at SilverCross harnesses the power of technology and renewable energy to revolutionise healthcare access. Specifically designed for patients with chronic kidney disease, our solution is geared towards ensuring their well-being by providing convenient, accessible healthcare and other holistic interventions.
The number of patients requiring dialysis treatments and renal replacement therapy in Nigeria has increased at an alarming rate, which has, in turn, created a massive challenge to the available healthcare infrastructures in Nigeria. Chronic kidney disease patients suffering from other diseases such as HIV and hepatitis are even further limited in their access to these much-needed treatments due to the unequal distribution of resources, amongst other economic-related factors.
Our innovation would allow the delivery of hemodialysis treatments in strategic under-served community locations and patients' homes, allowing for better outreach and increased access to this much-needed intervention. The solution would also allow better outreach in providing counselling and social work services to patients and their families.
We have secured partnerships with over 20 healthcare providers and over 12 insurance companies and have provided over 500 dialysis sessions in a 12-month period. We are currently implementing strategies to go off the Grid in the power supply to our In-House dialysis unit and fully rely on renewable energy to power and sustain the delivery of dialysis treatments within our facility.
First of all, a lack of funding and resources has been challenging as it inhibits investing in new equipment and technology. The cost of consumables and equipment maintenance is also something we are currently dealing with.
Additionally, in this era of massive relocation of clinicians and healthcare practitioners, ensuring adequate staffing is a challenge. There is also limited infrastructure for expansion and regulatory, compliance, and other economic challenges are a consistent challenge.
One key lesson learned is the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders, including patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and regulatory entities. Also, a culture of collaboration must be promoted and encouraged to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability.
The Villgro Africa MMH program has provided us with the guidance and expertise that has allowed us to identify and capitalise on opportunities. Through our participation in the program, we have developed strategies to help us navigate various challenges and avoid common pitfalls. The program has also opened a platform for networking opportunities and access to available resources. We have been able to revise and revalidate our business model to allow us to achieve sustainable growth.