In a landmark move to improve healthcare accessibility, President Bola Tinubu has approved an 80 per cent subsidy on kidney dialysis treatment for all Nigerians.
This historic decision, led by Coordinating Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, aims to reduce the financial burden on patients who require renal care, making life-saving treatments more affordable for the Nigerian populace.
As a result of this subsidy, the cost of dialysis sessions has dropped significantly from an average of N50,000 to just N12,000 at over ten Federal Medical Institutions nationwide.
The new pricing structure is expected to provide relief to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney disease, who previously faced insurmountable costs for regular dialysis treatments.
The initiative is being implemented at key federal medical facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ebute-Metta (Lagos), FMC Jabi (Abuja), University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, FMC Owerri, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), FMC Abeokuta, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), FMC Azare, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), among others.
The new pricing structure, which sees a significant reduction in costs, is expected to drastically improve access to care, particularly for lower-income Nigerians who were previously unable to afford treatment.
The program’s implementation is viewed as a major milestone in the country’s healthcare reforms, as it is set to have a long-term impact on reducing mortality rates from kidney-related ailments.
This decision is being hailed as a testament to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving public health and making essential treatments more accessible to Nigerians from all walks of life.
Healthcare experts have praised the move, stating that it will save lives and offer a new sense of hope to many suffering from kidney disease.
At Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, healthcare workers and patients have expressed their relief, with some calling it a “game-changer” for kidney disease management in the country.
The administration is also expected to monitor the program closely to ensure sustainability and prevent any challenges related to resource allocation.
As the program expands, the hope is that it will continue to reduce health disparities and improve kidney care across Nigeria.
