Kidney disease a blight on NT

IT is heartbreaking to hear another giant of the Territory’s indigenous music world has succumbed to the fate of renal dialysis

IT is heartbreaking to hear another giant of the Territory’s indigenous music world has succumbed to the fate of renal dialysis.

Gurrumul, a musician of national and international renown, may never tour again, at least not to the prolific extent he once did.

By accounts, the Yolngu singer, still in his 40s, and those around him remain optimistic he will at least be able to still engage in some form of studio work during his new chapter of life on dialysis, and keep releasing music for an eagerly awaiting listening public.

And with a terrific local health sector of doctors, nurses and pharmacists, there is no doubt the Territory treasure will be well looked after.

But Gurrumul’s illness highlights a tragic issue which continues to ravage the Territory, particularly its remote communities.

Kidney disease and the levels of dialysis support needed across the wide breadth of the NT have reached crisis point.

Despite concerted efforts by both the Northern Territory health department and private operators like Purple House, there are simply not enough resources available to cater for the growing list of patients suffering from various stages of kidney disease.

Right now, more than 700 indigenous people are on renal dialysis in the Territory. This figure is expected to rise to 1000 within just a few years, according to reports.

Experts are highlighting the dire need for more healthy, affordable foods in remote communities as one method to help halt the issue. But this is only one cause of the larger problem, and healthy tucker is only one solution.

A far larger strategy must be constructed, with early intervention as the main, long-term goal. Whoever wins government this month must be prepared to roll up their sleeves and tackle one of the saddest, largest problems facing our fledgling region.