Zulum donates N1bn to support less previledged Kidney Transplant patients at UMTH

Zulum donates N1bn to support less previledged Kidney Transplant patients at UMTH

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri.

Governor Babagana Zulum, of Borno state has announced the sum of N1bn as support package for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to facilitate kidney transplants for less privileged patients from the state.

To demonstrate immediate commitment, Governor Zulum authorized an initial deposit of N250 million to cover transplants for 50 indigent patients.

Governor Babagana Zulum who made the announcement during the 10th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, alongside the commissioning of the epoch-making projects at UMTH. confirmed that 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 said.

Zulum said “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 while commending the UMTH for its strides in specialised healthcare, particularly its recent successful kidney transplants said, I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed this is a landmark achievement and a great relieve to patients most importantly to those who cannot afford the cost of transplant,”

Speaking on the State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (SEMAS), the governor confirmed that ten new fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across health facilities by the week’s end. This, he stressed, would bolster the 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”, he stated.

He said “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”.

Also speaking, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, lauded Governor Zulum for fostering collaboration between state and federal governments to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.

“Governor Zulum exemplifies team work by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno” Pate said.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo acknowledged the state’s N500 million intervention following the 2024 floods, had helped to restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables and the reactivation of oxygen plant.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Health and Social Services Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, National Assembly members, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON), the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, former deputy governor, Hon. Usman Mamman durkwa and over 70 Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors.