From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UNIMAID) have installed equipment worth N1 billion at the hospital for the treatment of kidney disease.
UMTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Ahmed Ahidjo. said the collaboration between the two major institutions in the northeast, led to the funding of the equipment by TETFUND and installation of the technology-based machine for treatment of renal cases at the UMTH Kidney Centre.
“This project came in as a joint effort between the university and the teaching hospital. This collaboration led to the approval of N1 billion by TETFUND in two instalments. As it is now, the kidney center in UMTH stands as the best in Nigeria with four theatre,” he disclosed.
He commented UNIMAID management for showing interest in issue that affect the people.
“Once we can do kidney transplant successfully with these technology-based equipment, we can serve the largest population of people in the country and around the neighbouring African nations,” he said.
He said dozens of kidney parents are already visiting the center to access services but assured of improve medical attention with the new machine and expanded facilities.
UNIMAID Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba said the need to respond to critical need of the society fueled UNIMAID interest to collaborate with the hospital though both institutions are supervised by different ministries.
He said the teaching hospital cannot access fund from TETFUND since it is under the supervision of the ministry of health despite the fact that it should respond to critical issue affecting the people.
He noted that UNIMAID decided to step in, sought for fund from TETFUND to upgrade the
Head of the UMTH Kidney Centre, Dr Ibrahim Ummate said the centre currently has 84-beded wards, 21 machines for renal transplant and treatment.