From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Chikeze Davidson Nwanokwara, a 38-year-old kidney patient at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre in Abuja, has appealed to governments, corporate bodies, and good-spirited Nigerians for help in raising N14.8 million for a kidney transplant.

Nwanokwara, who is suffering from end-stage kidney disease secondary to long-standing Diabetes Mellitus and Systemic Hypertension, is currently undergoing maintenance hemodialysis twice weekly.

He said that if he receives the funds, it will enable him to undergo the required surgery and live a normal life again.

According to a medical report signed by Dr. R.S. Zasi, Consultant Physician Nephrologist at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Nwanokwara needs N14.8 million for the estimated cost of renal transplant and associated drugs at the facility.

The report also indicated that “kidney transplantation is the optimal option for renal replacement therapy as it offers a better quality of life and reduces the risk of mortality.

“Without a kidney transplant, the prognosis is poor. The kidney transplant surgery will be performed at our facility (Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre).”