JUST IN; 13 Patients from the United States undergo kidney transplants in Nigeria
JUST IN; 13 Patients from the United States undergo kidney transplants in Nigeria
Thirteen patients from the United States have come to Nigeria for kidney transplants at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre.
This is according to Vice President Kashim Shettima who observed that Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries thronging the nation’s hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.
The Vice President attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, VP Shettima stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.
He said: “There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world.”
The Vice President praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.
Shettima however noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government support to afford transplants.
“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.
The Vice President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.
“At a hospital in my neighbourhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno State as Governor, he took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.
Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, said the conference with the theme, “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.
The association also announced plans to honour Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.
“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.
The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.
As part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to perform a successful kidney transplant.
Other members of the delegation included the Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the NAN Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven.
News
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
Suspected notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnappings arrested by Police
The Police Command in Rivers on Wednesday, said it has arrested an alleged notorious kidnapper linked to multiple kidnapping incidents in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 10.
She said that the suspect aged 30, was identified as the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, that coordinated several abductions for ransom across the state.
According to her, the suspect who is responsible for multiple kidnappings along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit.
“The suspect was planning to relocate his operational armoury and camp to Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road in Eleme Local Government Area before his arrest,” she said.
She said that the recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125 and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.
The spokesperson said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of the kidnapping syndicate.
According to her, the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. (NAN)
News
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
Govt suspend Doctors for leaving scissors in patient’s stomach after operation
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that the death of Aishatu Umar, a five-time mother, resulted from professional lapses at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government health facility in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, an internal probe initiated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that medical staff failed to remove surgical scissors from the patient’s body after an operation, a mistake that proved fatal.
Following the findings, the Board ordered the suspension of three staff members connected to the procedure, barring them from all clinical responsibilities with immediate effect.
The case has also been handed over to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee, which will conduct a more detailed inquiry and determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations and ethical guidelines.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.
Aishatu Umar reportedly died after complications arising from a surgery in which surgical scissors were allegedly left in her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she repeatedly complained of worsening health conditions after the operation, but her concerns were not adequately addressed before her death.
The tragedy has triggered widespread anger among Kano residents, drawing attention to systemic weaknesses in supervision and accountability within public hospitals.
News
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
Masquerade arrested, detained by Police over alleged attack in community
The Anambra Police Command says it has detained a masquerade, allegedly involved in unprovoked violent attacks on residents of Awgbu Community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
In a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the incident happened on Monday.
“The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the people of Anambra and other concerned persons, that it has taken into custody the masquerade involved in the unprovoked and violent attacks on innocent citizens.
“The act led to a breach of public peace in Awgbu, Orumba North LGA.
“The suspect is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” Ikenga added.
He described the conduct by the masquerade, as seen in the viral video currently in circulation, as “unacceptable, unlawful, and would not be tolerated under any guise”.
An eyewitness in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the masquerade, accompanied by some youths, went out of its way to attack unsuspecting members of the public and destroyed people’s property.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said that the incident occurred during the last “Ofala” festival in honour of the late Traditional Ruler of Awgbu, Igwe Michael Okechukwu.
NAN reports that the festival was supposed to be a solemn cultural and symbolic celebration of the life and reign of the late monarch. (NAN)
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