The federal government has refuted claims that the northwest region is excluded from its kidney dialysis subsidy programme, describing such reports as incorrect.
Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Information and Public Relations, in a statement, noted that the federal government has approved a subsidy scheme to significantly reduce the cost of dialysis in federal hospitals nationwide.
According to the statement, the cost of a dialysis session has been slashed from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000, a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on patients with kidney-related diseases.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to clarify recent reports suggesting that patients in the Northwest are excluded from the Federal Government’s dialysis subsidy programme. This information is incorrect.”
The subsidy programme, driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda, is part of the government’s efforts to expand access to universal health coverage and provide relief for vulnerable Nigerians.
The pilot phase of the scheme is currently being implemented in eleven federal tertiary health institutions across all geopolitical zones, including the Northwest.
The listed hospitals are Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, University of Jos Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, University College Hospital Ibadan, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, and Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki.
“The Ministry emphasises that the Northwest is not excluded. This pilot phase will be expanded to cover more Federal hospitals across the country in due course, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing life-saving dialysis services,” the statement added.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and safeguarding the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
The initiative is seen as a landmark effort to save lives and reduce both the physical and financial suffering of patients with kidney-related conditions.
