Maiduguri: The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has successfully conducted its second living-donor kidney transplant, 15 years after performing its first. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, announced this development at a news conference in Maiduguri.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initial kidney transplant at UMTH was carried out in August 2010. The hospital has now resumed the procedure with renewed vigor, welcoming 20 patients who are currently admitted and awaiting similar surgeries. Prof. Ahidjo emphasized the importance of donor contributions to support financially disadvantaged patients in need of the surgery.

Prof. Ahidjo highlighted the affordability of the hospital’s services, noting that dialysis has been subsidized to N12,000, which is under eight dollars, compared to the typical charge of 1,000 dollars elsewhere. The aim is to make kidney transplants among the most affordable in West Africa, with UMTH being the largest facility in the country, capable of accommodating up to 85 patients simultaneously.

UMTH boasts four fully equipped theatre rooms dedicated to kidney transplants, all outfitted with modern equipment. Prof. Ahidjo acknowledged the support from TETFUND, which has been instrumental in providing necessary equipment and infrastructure for the hospital.

Additionally, Prof. Ahidjo expressed gratitude to Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for his N50 million donation to the hospital, intended for research on kidney-related diseases in the North-East region. Preliminary research indicates a link between kidney issues and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dehydration, with further laboratory results awaited to identify exact causes.