Patients with kidney conditions at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have begun benefiting from the Federal Government’s recent subsidy that reduced the cost of dialysis from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000 per session.
UCH is among the federal medical facilities selected nationwide to implement the cost-reduction initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on patients undergoing treatment for kidney failure.
Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Samuel Ajayi, who oversees the programme at UCH, confirmed that the policy has already taken effect. He described the initiative as timely and impactful.
“This policy has significantly reduced the cost of dialysis. Previously, patients paid around ₦50,000 per session, but now it’s ₦12,000. The government has provided the consumables and machines needed, and everything is running smoothly,” Ajayi explained.
He encouraged the government to continue supplying the necessary materials consistently and suggested incorporating dialysis fully into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for patients who require it on a long-term basis. He also emphasised the importance of sustained funding and additional support for kidney transplantation to improve patients’ quality of life.
Ajayi cautioned the public against using herbal remedies, concoctions, or unprescribed drugs, warning that such practices can damage the kidneys.
Another Consultant Nephrologist at the College of Medicine, UCH, Dr. Yemi Raji, described the subsidy as a welcome development that has made treatment more accessible.
“This is a big relief for many patients. Previously, some could only afford dialysis once a week. With the new subsidy, they can now undergo two or three sessions weekly, which will greatly improve their health,” he said.
Raji urged the Federal Government to sustain the initiative and expand it beyond selected federal hospitals to all regions in the country. He also recommended involving private investors, philanthropists, and donors to boost funding.
He highlighted the need for further government intervention in kidney transplantation, noting that the procedure currently costs between ₦20 million and ₦30 million in Nigeria.
“If the government can reduce the cost to about ₦7.5 million, more patients will be able to access kidney transplants,” Raji added.
He advised Nigerians to prioritise their health through regular exercise, proper use of prescribed medications, and avoiding drug misuse, especially painkillers, as kidney treatment is expensive and challenging.