Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri December 18, 2019
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has directed health commissioner to render free kidney dialysis along with research on causes of failures among Borno patients. Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura; was also ordered to “adopt and implement” the transplant of kidneys of patients at State’s Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri next year. Zulum gave the directives Tuesday, while inspecting the installed medical equipment and facilities at the hospital’s Kidney centre. “With the commencement kidney dialysis here in Maiduguri, I direct the health Commissioner to put measures towards kidney transplants of Borno patients,” he said.
According to him, all the kidney dialysis in hospital, are to be free of charge. He said this was to reduce pains faced by people, who could not afford N30,000 for each session of kidney dialysis. “This will make dialysis procedures free for patients,” he said. He also directed the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to partner with relevant Stakeholders in health, education and water sectors by inviting researchers to identify; study and expand findings on causes of kidney diseases. He further disclosed that kidney diseases and failures are on the rise in Borno state. He assured the commissioners that government will fund research on kidney diseases and failures among patients. He said the findings and recommendations, will address rising causes of kidney diseases and failures. He said government, would rather focus on causes of kidney diseases and failures, rather than focus on dialysis and forms of treatments.
The Governor also witnessed the dialysis session by medical experts and empathized with patients with financial support undergoing kidney dialysis at hospital. Dr. Kwaya-Bura told Zulum that the centre has procured consumables to continue kidney dialysis of 3,000 patients for six months. The Commissioner and other officials were given go ahead by the Governor to send indigenous medical doctors on specialized kidney management training and to identify reputable health institutions whether in Nigeria or abroad, to establish technical and specialized partnership that will enable kidney transplant in hospitals owned by the state. Zulum said the partnership will not only save lives but reduce dependence on foreign medical tourism and attract medical tourists to Borno State.
