The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has announced plans to conduct free kidney transplants for the first 20 people suffering from kidney disease.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, made the disclosure during a press briefing at the hospital on Wednesday.
This development comes after the hospital successfully resumed kidney transplant services a few weeks ago, a program that was first introduced in 2010.
According to Prof. Ahidjo, the hospital aims to make the transplant one of the cheapest in the world.
While the transplant procedure will be free, the cost of drugs and consumables, estimated at N5 million, will be covered by potential donors.
The CMD appealed to donors to contribute towards procuring consumables for the next 20 patients who will undergo the transplant freely.
He assured that the hospital will provide follow-up care to the patients after the operation.
The resumption of kidney transplant services at UMTH is a significant development, considering the high number of kidney cases in the North East region.
Previously, patients had to travel out of the country for transplants, which cost around N13.5 million for the operation alone, excluding flight and other expenses.
With this new development, patients will no longer need to incur such high costs, and the hospital’s kidney transplant program is expected to bring relief to many in need of the life-saving procedure.
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