Government’s efforts to increase access to dialysis treatment for over 25million Nigerians down with severe kidney complications received a major boost, Wednesday, with the inauguration of the multi-million naira Dialysis Centre at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital in Kaduna by Governor Nasir-El Rufai.
According to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, there are only about 149 functional Dialysis Centres in the country to attend to the rising cases of kidney failure which is currently put at over 17,000 cases annually, making the additional inauguration in Kaduna a welcome development.
An elated Governor El-Rufai expressed appreciation for the initiative and assured that the state government would continue to support the Center which was donated by Tudun Wada Community under the aegis of Yusuf Dantsho Hospital Support Initiative.
“Kaduna state government will continue to support the center to ensure that the initiative is sustained. I promise to support the Center with equipment when the need arises.
“I appreciate the efforts of Tudun Wada community in ensuring that the center is built and I pray Allah to reward you abundantly,” he said.
The governor donated one million naira to the Yusuf Dantsho support initiative as a token to back the project.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba commended the initiative, saying it would go a long way in assisting the less-privileged in the society.
In her remarks, Hajiya Rabiatu Rinchat, a member of the Board of Trustees of the group, commended the efforts of the community towards ensuring the success of the Center.
“This is very a giant stride because issues of kidney problems has become of great concern in the society, because it’s a capital intensive treatment.
“I urge the people of Tudun Wada community to continue to give your support to the center, by contributing a token of N50 weekly.
“The contribution will go a long way in reducing cost for the poor people who are suffering from kidney diseases.”
Mrs Esther Muazu, another member of the board, said the group came up with the idea to assist the less privileged members of the society who cannot afford to pay for dialysis.
Muazu stressed the need for citizens to reduce over dependence on government, as government cannot do it alone.
“We have to stand up and assist ourselves and wherever we fall short, government will come in and support us,” she said.
Dr Yusuf Nadabo, Chairman Yusuf Dantsoho Committee of Friends, said the initiative was as a result of mobilizing and enlightening the people on need to be assisting themselves and stop over dependence on government.
“Having mobilized the community, we realised that there is a need to establish an NGO with board of trustees and management.
“The contribution of Alhaji Muktar Monrovia who bought dialysis machines worth N15 million, contributed immensely to the success of this center.
“Nine dialysis machines were commissioned so that the ordinary man can access the facility at an affordable amount.
“You should not relent in contributing the N50 continuously because with it, a lot of money will be generated,’’ he said.
He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate the donor of the machines for an improved living standard for the people.
The Renal Center was named Hajiya Amina Ahmad Morovia Renal Center, the late mother of Alhaji Muktar Morovia, who died as a result of kidney problem.
Source: NAN
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