Borno Government to Strengthen Support for Kidney Patients

By Abdullahi Gambo 

The Borno State Government says it will intensify its intervention programmes for kidney patients in the state.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum gave the assurance at the 38th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, hosted by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, said the theme of the conference, “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment: Addressing Challenges and Building Resilience,” is timely, considering the high burden of kidney diseases in the North-East.

He disclosed that the state government provided free dialysis to over three thousand kidney patients last year and spent more than one billion naira on kidney transplant services for indigenes who required the procedure.

Governor Zulum added that government plans to surpass the previous achievements through increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and services across the state, in order to reduce the financial burden on affected families.

He noted that ongoing health sector projects include the establishment of two Colleges of Nursing, a proposed Teaching Hospital, and the upgrade of several General Hospitals to Specialist Hospitals.

President of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, Professor Jacob Awobusuyi, expressed optimism that outcomes of the conference would help in reducing kidney-related cases through scientific and research-based approaches.

He lamented that only eight hundred and ninety dialysis machines are currently functional in one hundred and twenty-five health facilities nationwide, and commended Borno and other states investing in kidney care services.

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, represented by Professor Farouk Buba, said the hospital is leading kidney care services in the region following its successful kidney transplant last year.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, represented by Professor Baba Gana Bako, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting healthcare delivery through research and clinical services.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Ibrahim Ummate, said the conference would focus on prevention, management and research into kidney diseases, adding that advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns would follow after the event.