In a significant boost for healthcare accessibility, President Bola Tinubu has approved a subsidy that dramatically reduces the cost of kidney dialysis in Nigeria. The new policy slashes the fee from N50,000 to N12,000 at 11 major hospitals across the country, spanning all six geopolitical zones.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, announced the initiative at the eighth edition of the National MSMEs Award. While the award event celebrates Nigeria’s vibrant small business sector, the subsidy for dialysis is part of a broader government effort to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Hospitals participating in the subsidy include the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, Lagos; FMC Jabi in Abuja; University College Hospital in Ibadan; FMC Owerri; and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, among others. The subsidy, which was officially launched in January at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, has already provided relief for 35 patients. Hammatu Haruna, manager-in-charge of the renal centre at the Bauchi teaching hospital, highlighted the transformation the subsidy has brought. “Patients are now paying only N12,000. Before this initiative, many had to sell belongings or even forgo treatment because of the high cost,” she explained.
In addition to reducing financial burdens, the federal ministry of health has supported the program by providing essential equipment, including a dialysis machine and over 900 dialyzers, ensuring that facilities are well-equipped to handle the increased demand.
This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising kidney failure cases. In February, the Yobe State government deployed 50 health experts to investigate a surge in kidney failures, with a team from local and international institutions set to interview 2,000 residents to pinpoint potential causes—ranging from environmental factors to lifestyle habits.
With this bold subsidy, the government demonstrates its commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring that life-saving treatments are within reach for all Nigerians. As the country continues to confront public health challenges, initiatives like this one not only alleviate immediate financial pressures but also pave the way for a healthier future.
For more updates on this and other transformative health initiatives, stay tuned.