The Afe Babalola University Multi-system Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (ABUMTH) has recorded another feat in its medical services, as it conducted four more successful kidney transplants on patients within three days.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, disclosed this on Tuesday in a press briefing. He said the operations were done between September 15 and 17, 2023, bringing the total number of kidney transplants done by the hospital to 14 since October 2021.
He said the patients and their donors were in good condition and had been discharged from the hospital. He said the hospital had become a preferred destination for Nigerians seeking affordable and quality healthcare services, especially for kidney-related issues.
He said the hospital was established by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to provide world-class medical care to Nigerians and reduce medical tourism abroad. He said the hospital had state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as qualified and experienced medical personnel.
He said: “Since we had our first transplant in October 2021, we have successfully carried out 14 kidney transplants in our hospital, with the last four which we did between September 15th and 17th, 2023.
“I can tell you that the four patients are doing fine and recovered well, even their donors have since returned home. We want to let the people know that when they feel there is no hope, there is hope here.
“We know there are a lot of people out there battling with kidney problems and they are worried and considering travelling out of the country to get treatment, I am happy to tell them that there is a perfect solution for them in ABUAD multi-system hospital.”
The CMD also explained that the hospital had strict rules and procedures to prevent organ trafficking and ensure ethical practices. He said the donors must be family members of the patients, who must also sign an affidavit to confirm their willingness and consent to donate their kidneys.
He said: “The truth and the only thing which is lawful and accepted is that any donor must be doing it willingly without compulsion and must not be induced financially so that we don’t have a situation that they are selling off the kidney.
“On our part, we don’t engage in any unethical practices relating to our services in the hospital. Aside from ensuring family members as donors, an affidavit will also be sworn by the individual.”
He also appealed to the federal government to formulate policies that would address the challenges in the nation’s health sector, especially the exchange rate of naira to dollar, which affects the cost of medical supplies and equipment.
A neurologist in the hospital, Dr Olusegun Aremu, also spoke at the briefing. He lamented the increasing rate of kidney failure among Nigerians and called for more awareness and prevention measures. He advised Nigerians to check their health status regularly, drink enough water, reduce salt intake and avoid self-medication.