The average cost of a renal dialysis session at federal hospitals across the country has been cut by 76% by the federal government, from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000 each session.
According to reports, eleven federal medical centers and teaching hospitals nationwide have already implemented the new pricing policy, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, revealed this on Monday. He called the intervention a significant relief for Nigerians suffering from renal disease.
“To help Nigerians afford kidney dialysis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a historic subsidy. This action has helped thousands of Nigerians suffering from kidney-related illnesses by lowering the cost of each dialysis session from ₦50,000 to merely ₦12,000, according to Bwala.
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The announcement claims that ten important facilities are implementing the system, including:
Federal Medical Center (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos Federal Medical Center (FMC), Jabi, Abuja University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owerri University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abeokuta Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos Federal Medical Center (FMC), Azare University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar Bwala also stated that additional federal centers and teaching hospitals will be added before the year is out in order to increase access across the country.
In an effort to lower maternal fatalities, Tinubu also authorized free cesarean sections (C-sections) for expectant mothers in federal hospitals last year, the presidential aide recalled.
“The president’s Renewed Hope Agenda is demonstrated by these measures, which ensure that Nigerians are not denied healthcare due to cost,” Bwala said.
Tens of thousands of Nigerians, according to medical experts, have kidney-related illnesses that necessitate dialysis, which frequently requires two to three treatments each week and is expensive for many families.
According to the administration, the subsidy should not only save lives but also lower the number of patients who stop receiving treatment because it is too expensive.
