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Month: July 2024

Renal Denervation Therapy: An Innovative Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Posted on by Web Master

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common health problem worldwide and can affect all age groups. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.13 billion adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, and other cardiovascular complications. Identifying, treating, and controlling high blood pressure is important for overall health.

There are many ways to treat high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures. Drug therapy is a widely used method of controlling hypertension, and there are many different classes of drugs. However, for some patients with hypertension who are refractory to drug therapy, an innovative approach is emerging. Renal denervation therapy, a minimally invasive procedure, has recently been evaluated as an effective option for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

Contact us for free second medical opinion: https://acibademinternational.com/

What is Renal Denervation?

Renal denervation is the ablation (destruction) of the sympathetic nerves in the kidneys. Hypertension is associated with an increase in blood pressure due to overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and contraction of vascular muscles. Renal denervation aims to lower blood pressure by reducing this overactivity.

Professor Dağdelen, An Important Name For Hypertension Treatment

As Acıbadem Healthcare Group, we are proud to offer healing to many patients from all over the world who come for treatment with Renal Denervation performed by Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, Professor of Cardiology at Acıbadem University. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen is an esteemed physician who has been a part of Acıbadem Health Group for the last 20 years of his 30 years of professional life and has been involved in the treatment of many successful cardiological diseases that have made a worldwide impact. In the Cardiology Clinic of our Altunizade Hospital, he continues to provide services for all cardiology patients including cardiovascular, arrhythmia, hypertension, structural heart disease, intracardiac defects, congenital heart disease, heart failure, and arteriovascular diseases. As a renal denervation practitioner and trainer, he gives training on application techniques in many places such as Balkan countries, Middle East countries, and Azerbaijan.

Treatment For Resistant Hypertension

Renal denervation therapy is usually considered for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. Treatment-resistant hypertension refers to conditions in which blood pressure cannot be controlled with standard antihypertensive medications. The physician assesses whether the patient is resistant to treatment. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. A multidisciplinary approach means an evaluation by a medical committee consisting of physicians who are competent in evaluating other systems such as the endocrine, hepatic, nephrotic, and nervous systems that are thought to cause this disease along with the physician who is following the disease. Acıbadem Healthcare Group has the capacity to provide multidisciplinary treatment to patients who need it, thanks to its valuable experienced physicians in various medical disciplines. In our healthcare facilities, some hypertension patients are safely evaluated by Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen and his colleagues with a multidisciplinary approach.

Recovery And Follow-Up

After the renal denervation procedure, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days. Recovery is usually quicker than with traditional open-heart surgery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly to monitor the patient’s blood pressure and overall health.

Although renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. These risks include bleeding, arterial injury, infection, and, in rare cases, kidney damage. However, these risks can be minimized with the experience of a specialized team like the one at Acıbadem Health Group and appropriate patient selection. The fact that the procedure is performed by an experienced team ensures that these risks are eliminated in the post-treatment follow-up of the patient.

Choose Quality and Reliable Care

Renal denervation therapy is emerging as a promising method for the treatment of hypertension. Although renal denervation is an important option in the treatment of hypertension, patients considering this procedure must choose the right center to receive quality and reliable care. Acıbadem Medical Group is an organization that has gained the trust of patients with its expert staff and state-of-the-art medical equipment. It has experienced physicians such as Prof. Sinan Dağdelen, who has been working in this field for years, to successfully perform a complex and sensitive procedure such as renal denervation. In addition, Acıbadem Medical Group’s comprehensive services and patient-oriented approach to meeting the needs of patients are designed to maximize their comfort and satisfaction. For these reasons, patients considering an important treatment option such as renal denervation should choose Acıbadem Medical Group for quality healthcare and a reliable treatment experience.

Contact us for free second medical opinion: https://acibademinternational.com/

 

Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Coding Initiative

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An initiative to provide fundamental digital skills in programming, Android development, data science, and artificial intelligence to the youth was launched last week. The federal government has partnered with the United Arab Emirates to support the capacity-building initiative until 2026.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) announced the ambitious “Five Million Ethiopian Coders” plan during a launch event held at the Science Museum. It is lauded as a key component of the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, to create a technologically competent workforce.

“It’ll help bridge the gap between soft and hard skills,” said Abiy.

The number of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has surged to a staggering 62 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent report released by the International Labor Organisation (ILO). The implications of this alarming trend are particularly troubling for countries like Ethiopia, where declining real wages and a significant youth population are a reality.

Messebo Cement Eyes Recovery After Feasibility Study

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Messebo Cement, one of the largest cement producers, is poised for an operational recovery following the completion of a feasibility study by Industrial Projects Services (IPS). The factory, which resumed operations last year after a two-year hiatus due to the northern region conflict, has faced operational issues due to inconsistent power supply.

Established in 1993 with a capital of 60 million Br, Messebo Cement was later recapitalised with 240 million Br, with the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT) becoming the majority shareholder. The plant holds a 15pc market share in a sector dominated by players like Dangote, Derba, and Mugar.

IPS General Manager Shewaferaw Solomon presented the feasibility report to Messebo representative Tekeste Tadesse last week. The consulting firm has also conducted similar studies for several sugar factories in the country.

Logistics Giant Posts 8.9b Br Profit Amidst Global Turmoil

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In the face of conflicts and global uncertainties, the state-owned logistics giant Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics has ended the year with 8.89 billion Br gross profit. It has garnered 57 billion Br in revenues, although high expenses of 48 billion Br weighed down the performance.

CEO Beriso Amalo (PhD), outlined the Red Sea crisis, and the Russia-Ukrain conflict as global challenges while security concerns, especially in Amhara Regional State, were a setback, with 630 trucks unable to leave the region.

Although high expenses of 48 billion Br weighed down the performance, ESL managed to generate over 420 million dollars in foreign currency. Beriso said transportation of fertiliser without demurrage charges, and reducing truck maintenance time using local spare parts contributed to an overall positive performance in the year.

Wegagen Bank Launches Digital Lending Platform

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A digital lending platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was launched by Wegagen Bank last week. Dubbed Efoyta, the application is put forth in partnership with Kifiya Financial Technology. The platform leverages artificial intelligence and alternative data to assess creditworthiness and facilitate quick loan approvals.

The platform was officially unveiled last week at a ceremony in Mekelle City, with bank executives and government officials in attendance. Wegagen Bank’s Board Chairperson, Abdishu Hussien, emphasized the platform’s role in addressing cash flow challenges faced by MSMEs.

Embracing the digital realm, Wegagen Bank officially launched its mobile banking application a few months ago. The App was inaugurated in Dire Dewa City, with executives showcasing its service that provides secure and seamless financial services. Incorporated in 1997, Wegagen Bank has grown to become a prominent financial institution with a paid-up capital of 4.5 billion Br and total assets reaching 58 billion Br. Operating through an extensive network of over 424 branches across the country, it continues to play a significant role in the banking sector expanding its digital reach.

Ethiopian Faces Suspension After Eritrea Cites Service Issues

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Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed its flight suspension to Eritrea within the next two months. This follows a statement from the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority issued last week, suspending Ethiopian Airlines flights. A letter circulating on social media attributes the decision to “luggage theft and damages, prolonged flight delays, and unjustified price hikes.”

While the Group acknowledges receiving a letter dated July 21, 2024, executives maintain that specific reasons for the suspension have not been disclosed to them.

Air travel between Ethiopia and Eritrea resumed six years ago, with Ethiopian Airlines operating flights twice daily, five days a week, from Addis Ababa to Asmara. The suspension notice came amidst discussions with Eritrean authorities to increase the number of flights to 15 per week.

Ethiopian Airlines disclosed on its official social media channels that they are currently seeking clarification from Eritrean authorities and are committed to resolving the issues amicably and promptly.

Awash Bank Posts Record Profit, Deposits Surge

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Awash Bank has posted impressive financial results for the year, solidifying its position as a major player in the banking industry. With gross profit surging to 11.6 billion Br, Bank President Tsehay Shiferaw attributed this growth to a substantial increase in deposits, which climbed to 232 billion Br, a 27pc year-on-year growth.

A key driver of this growth was the Bank’s successful implementation of interest-free banking, which garnered 3.3 billion Br in deposits. This contributed to the overall sector’s interest-free deposits reaching 19 billion Br.

Incorporated in 1994, with 486 founding shareholders raising 24.6 million Br in equity, Awash Bank has evolved significantly. The Bank’s asset base expanded by 25pc to surpass 300 billion Br, while foreign exchange earnings reached 1.5 billion dollars, marking a year-over-year increase of 26.8 million dollars.

Awash Bank expanded its network to include 1,220 ATMs and 2,373 POS terminals. The Bank also disbursed over 37.6 billion Br in new loans, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium enterprises through 5.2 billion Br in lending. Awash’s strategic expansion saw the opening of 74 new branches, bringing the total to 947, and the establishment of 10 specialised digital branches. This growth translated to a customer base of 12.4 million, representing an increase of two million customers.

Parliament Declares National Mourning for Landslide Victims in Gofa Zone

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Parliament has declared a three-day national mourning period to honour the memory of hundreds who lost their lives in a catastrophic landslide in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia Regional State.

The tragedy, which struck on July 24, 2024, was the result of intense rain showers in the Gezi Gofa wereda, claiming nearly 257 lives, according to aid agencies.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society, alongside volunteers and emergency workers, continues their search and rescue efforts two days after the disaster. Armed with shovels and their bare hands, they are arduously digging through mud in a desperate attempt to locate survivors.

A report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has warned that the death toll may rise, potentially reaching up to 500. The landslide has displaced over 125 residents, and a dozen severely injured individuals have been transferred to Sawla Hospital for urgent medical care.

The humanitarian situation in the region remains critical. The UNOCHA report unveils the vulnerability of 1,320 children under five years of age and nearly 5,293 women, who are at high risk due to the ongoing threat of further landslides.

This disaster struck just three weeks after the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute issued a warning about the likelihood of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides affecting Addis Abeba and several regions in the west, north, centre, and northeast of the country.

STREET SWEEP

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A determined passerby fills a mud sack at the Olympia construction site, clearing the road for traffic. Cleaning the streets and beautifying the city has been a mantra of the Addis Abeba City Administration recently. Addis Abeba Waste Management Regulations enacted recently imposes a 2,000 Br fine for individuals who fail to properly dispose of dry waste within their premises while organizations will be fined 50,000 Br.

ROADSIDE RICHES

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A row of watermelon vendors on the road from Adama (Nazreth) town to Addis Abeba sell a piece from 200 Br to 800 Br depending on the size. Aptly named, watermelon is 92pc water and was first used by ancients as a source of hydration. Farmers consider them ready for harvest when their “belly patch” (a portion of the rind that rests on the ground) turns from white to creamy yellow.

SOLITARY SENTINEL

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An elephant statue now stands in the capital, near the Mesqel Square area, in contrast to the devastating reality facing these gentle giants. Since the 1980s, Ethiopia has tragically lost 90pc of its elephant population, leaving fewer than 1,900 struggling to survive. Dedicated conservation efforts in Babile and Chebera Churchura National Parks face relentless challenges from poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict.

BREWERIES’ BITTER BREW

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The introduction of an excise tax stamp system is stirring controversy in the beverage sector. The system, devised to create a robust and transparent tax management protocol whilst preventing counterfeit products, attracted attention as another potential shift in the federal fiscal policy. Proponents argue it would mobilise revenue by controlling illegitimate markets, making tax regulation compliance easier to discern. Critics, however, fear increased costs for businesses, especially smaller ones, arguing that the expenses of adapting to the system could impede expansion and growth.

The proposal has garnered dissent within the brewery industry, with executives wary of its practicality and potential costs. A study commissioned by the Ethiopian Brewers’ Association asserts that the system may cause more harm than good. The study points out the high costs breweries may face, the low risk of counterfeit products in the beer industry, and the already high excise tax compliance in the sector. Yet, Finance Ministry officials appear unfazed by the resistance. They maintain that the directive’s early days have yet to show a major change in demand. However, a decline is anticipated, which could impact revenues and, hence, the federal government’s tax revenue from the industry. While recognising the need for effective industry regulation, the breweries warn of a cascading effect on the supply chain, from farmers to distributors and consumers, in the event of a tax base decline.

However, officials of the Ministry of Finance anticipate excise tax revenues to reach 24.4 billion Br this fiscal year, with breweries contributing over a third. Notably, beverages with up to five percent alcohol content now face a 40pc excise tax or 28 Br a litre, a 9.24 Br increase a bottle, impacting the brewery industry by three billion Birr.

Despite the debate, some are confident that the excise stamp will serve as a credible tax regulator. Tax law experts advocated for transparency in the bid process to install technology solutions and ease of doing business to increase productivity in breweries. The industry worries about machinery installation costs, system integration, and disruptions during internet interruptions, worrying that the system can only function with reliable internet access. They fear these burdens will shrink the industry’s sales turnover, making products more expensive for consumers.