From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has conducted two successful kidney transplants, the first in 15 years.
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, at a press conference in Maiduguri, yesterday, said the kidney transplants which cost N13.5 million for each of the patients, were done successfully by a team of urologists, neurologists, anaesthesia, nurses and other medical personnel.
“We are glad to announce that our team successfully conducted kidney transplants at our Kidney Centre,” he disclosed.
The CMD said the first kidney transplant was done in 2015. He said It was done then in the main hospital theatre with continuation treatment at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
He explained that the hospital then decided to expand the Kidney Centre with 84-bed capacity and four Operating Theatres. He said the centre was equipped with all the modern equipment to ensure effective operation.
He said the hospital plans to undertake an additional 20 transplants for 20 patients, and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the exercise as it was meant to give hope to the hopeless.
He said recent transplants were funded through a donation of N5 million by a good Samaritan, while the rest of the cost were borne by the hospital from the Federal Government health intervention.
Leader of the team, Dr. Hassan Dogo, a urologist, disclosed that the patients were in good condition after the transplant. He assured that the team would continue to monitor the patients.