Zulum donates N1bn to support kidney transplant for indigent patients
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a N1 billion financial support package to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients from the state at the for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
In demonstration of the government commitment, Governor Zulum has authorised an initial deposit of N250 million to cover transplants for 50 indigent patients.
The governor made the announcement during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, and the inauguration of some projects at the hospital.
He said the remaining N750 million would be disbursed in three instalments.
“I am pleased to announce that Borno State government will deposit the sum of N250 million to support kidney transplant of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute N1 billion as government’s contribution towards supporting the less privileged indigenes of the State ,” Zulum stated.
“The Borno State government therefore pledges to support this initiative and is ready to provide all the partnership required to sustain the provision of kidney transplant to less privileged patients at UMTH. This is only the beginning—I promise to do even more.”
Governor Zulum commended UMTH for its strides in specialised healthcare, particularly its recent successful kidney transplants.
“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed this is a landmark achievement and a great relief to patients, most importantly those who cannot afford the cost of the transplant,” he added.
On the State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (SEMAS), the governor said 10 fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across health facilities before the end of the week to bolster Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
“As a Government, we pledge our full support for the sustenance and scale-up of the Maternal and Newborns Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative programme. We view it not as a standalone initiative, but as a critical complement to our broader health reform agenda.”
“We are committed to ensuring that Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative succeeds in providing comprehensive antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up and routine immunisation to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, lauded Governor Zulum for fostering collaboration between the state and federal government to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.
“Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,” Pate said.
On his part, the UMTH Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo acknowledged that the state’s N500 million intervention following the 2024 floods had helped the hospital to restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables and the reactivation of oxygen plant.
