Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has completed the procurement and installation of transplant equipment in six tertiary health facilities in the country to aid in the end-stage of renal disease management.
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (formerly Bayero University Teaching Hospital) in Kano, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital in Zaria, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Abuja, the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi are among the beneficiaries.
The Federal Government’s multibillion-naira initiative to improve the standard protocol for patients requiring kidney transplants in Nigeria will prevent capital flight for renal care management abroad.
Speaking at the opening of technical training for nephrologists and specialised nurses from the six teaching hospitals, a representative of the consulting firm, Umar Ali, explained that the orientation was designed to keep the specialists abreast and broaden their skills on the new technologies.
Ali disclosed that the successful installation of the transplant facility project executed by TETFund was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to enhance the health population of the public.
Vice Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof Sagir Abbas, applauded TETFund’s investment in research and development in tertiary institutions in the country.
The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Administration and Management, Prof Mahmoud Sani, emphasised the impact of TETFund on medical advancement, adding that the renal transplant facilities would further widen clinical experience in the management of the disease.
Consultant nephrologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Prof Ademola Babatunde, who also expressed satisfaction with the intervention, added that the capacity development would further strengthen the present system and empower other centres to effectively carry out kidney transplants.
Babatunde added: “Kidney transplant remains the best treatment for the management of kidney disease and the best procedure that gives patients a chance to live normal life after treatment. It is better than undergoing dialysis.
“With the facilities provided by TETFund, the capacity training is designed to strengthen the capacity of experts, who will better reposition the healthcare system in Nigeria. Although AKTH and few centres have carried out transplant procedures in the last 20 years, the new facilities donated by TETFund will further strengthen the capacity of professionals.”