From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) have installed equipment worth N1 billion at the hospital for the treatment of kidney disease.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), UMTH, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, said the collaboration between the two major institutions in the Northeast, led to the funding of the equipment by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and installation of a technology-based machine for the treatment of renal cases at the UMTH’s kidney centre.
“This project came in as a joint effort between the university and the teaching hospital. This collaboration led to the approval of N1billion by TETFUND in two instalments. As it is now, the kidney centre in the UMTH stands as the best in Nigeria with four theatres,” he disclosed. He commended UNIMAID’s management for showing interest in the issue that affects 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 dozens of kidney patients were already visiting the centre to access services but assured of improved medical attention with the new machine and expanded facilities.
UNIMAID’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, said the need to respond to critical needs of the society fuelled the institution’s interest to collaborate with the hospital, though both institutions are supervised by different ministries.
He said the teaching hospital cannot access funds from TETFUND since it is under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, despite the fact that it should respond to critical issues affecting the people.
He noted that UNIMAID decided to step in, and sought funds from TETFUND to upgrade the teaching hospital. Head of the kidney centre, Dr Ibrahim Ummate, said the centre currently has 84-bedded wards, 21 machines for renal transplant and treatment.