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| Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu |
In a significant move aimed at making healthcare more accessible, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a subsidy to reduce the high cost of kidney dialysis for Nigerians. The announcement was shared by Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access.
According to the statement, each dialysis session, which previously cost around ₦50,000, will now be reduced to just ₦12,000. This reduction is expected to provide immense relief to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney-related illnesses, many of whom have struggled to afford treatment.
The subsidy is already being implemented in major federal hospitals across all six geopolitical zones, ensuring that access is geographically widespread. Some of the hospitals currently participating in the program include:
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Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos
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FMC, Jabi, Abuja
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University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
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FMC, Owerri
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University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri
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FMC, Abeokuta
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Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
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FMC, Azare
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University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin
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University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar
The government has assured Nigerians that more medical centres and teaching hospitals will be added before the end of the year, expanding the initiative nationwide and ensuring that more patients can access this life-saving treatment at an affordable cost.
This kidney dialysis subsidy builds on President Tinubu’s earlier healthcare reforms, including his 2024 approval of free cesarean sections (C-sections) in federal hospitals. That initiative was widely praised for improving maternal healthcare and helping to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths across Nigeria.
Healthcare experts have welcomed the dialysis subsidy, noting that kidney disease remains a growing health challenge in Nigeria. Many patients currently face financial strain due to the high cost of dialysis, often leading to interrupted treatment or delayed care. By slashing costs, the government aims to ensure continuity of treatment, improve patient outcomes, and reduce preventable complications associated with kidney failure.
For Nigerians living with chronic kidney disease, this initiative could be transformative. Regular dialysis is essential for survival in advanced kidney conditions, and the high treatment cost has historically limited access for many low- and middle-income families. With the subsidy, more patients will be able to maintain consistent care without the burden of unaffordable medical bills.
The Tinubu administration has emphasized that healthcare reforms remain a priority, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges and improving the quality of life for citizens. As more hospitals join the program, the reach and impact of the dialysis subsidy are expected to grow, offering life-saving support to thousands of Nigerians nationwide.
This latest initiative reflects a broader trend in Nigeria’s healthcare policy under President Tinubu, focusing on subsidized treatment, preventive care, and expanded access. With continued efforts, the government hopes to create a healthcare system that is more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the new dialysis subsidy represents a major step forward in healthcare reform, offering hope to kidney patients and reinforcing the administration’s commitment to affordable and accessible medical care. For many Nigerians, this policy is not just a financial relief—it is a lifeline.
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