In a major breakthrough for healthcare delivery in the North East, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has announced plans to offer free kidney transplants for the first 20 patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, made this announcement during a press briefing held at the hospital on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s mission to provide affordable and life-saving medical interventions.
The initiative follows the recent resumption of kidney transplant services at UMTH, a program first introduced in 2010 but suspended for several years. With this revival, the hospital is aiming to make its transplant services among the most affordable in the world.
While the transplant surgery itself will be completely free for the first 20 patients, the cost of post-surgical drugs and consumables—estimated at ₦5 million per patient—will need to be covered by philanthropic donors and partners.
“We are appealing to individuals, corporate bodies, and humanitarian organizations to support this cause by donating toward the cost of essential consumables for these patients,” Prof. Ahidjo urged.
He emphasized that UMTH is fully equipped to provide post-operative care and long-term follow-up, ensuring the success and sustainability of the transplant procedures.
The resumption of the kidney transplant program is expected to drastically reduce the financial burden on patients who previously had to seek treatment abroad, where the average transplant costs over ₦13.5 million, excluding travel and logistics.
“This is a game-changer for many families in the North East battling kidney disease,” Prof. Ahidjo said. “We are proud to bring this vital service closer to our people.”
The hospital’s call for donations is part of a broader effort to expand the program and make kidney transplants more accessible to economically disadvantaged patients across the region.
