Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has announced a N1 billion financial package to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients from the state at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)
Zulum who made the announcement on Tuesday revealed that the state government had authorised the immediate release of N250 million as initial deposit to cover transplant procedures for 50 indigent patients.
The Borno governor spoke during the 110th general meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs,) and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria in Maiduguri.
He said, “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,” he said.
The governor assured that the balance of N750 million would be released in three instalments.
Zulum commended the hospital for recent successful kidney transplants, saying it was a significant milestone for healthcare delivery in the state.
“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed, this is a landmark achievement and a great relief to patients, especially those who cannot afford the cost of transplant,” he said.
Zulum also pledged continuous support to UMTH and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery for vulnerable groups.
He said the government would deploy 10 new, fully equipped ambulances across healthcare facilities by the end of the week to support maternal and child health.
“As a government, we pledge our full support for the sustenance and scale-up of the Maternal and Newborns Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative programme,” Zulum added.
He emphasised that the programme would deliver antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up and routine immunisation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, praised Zulum for strengthening collaboration between the state and federal government in improving healthcare access and equity.
“Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,” Pate said.
The CMD, UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, expressed appreciation to the state government for its earlier N500 million intervention in 2024, which restored critical services after the floods.
He said the intervention enabled the hospital to renovate its Trauma and Kidney Centres, procure consumables and reactivate its oxygen plant.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON), the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, members of the National Assembly, and 72 CMDs and Medical Directors.
(NAN)
