By Milcah Tanimu
The Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, located in Ado-Ekiti, has achieved another remarkable milestone in the field of medicine, having recently completed four successful kidney transplant surgeries. Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, the Chief Medical Director, shared this news during a press briefing held at the multi-billion Naira hospital situated within Afe Babalola University.
These successful kidney transplant surgeries took place between September 15 and 17, 2023, marking a total of 14 such transplants performed at the hospital since October 2021. Dr. Ogundipe also reassured the public that all four transplant recipients and their donors are currently in stable condition.
The CMD emphasized that this latest achievement aligns with the vision of the hospital’s founder, Afe Babalola, who believed that the institution possessed both the skilled personnel and cutting-edge equipment necessary to eliminate the need for medical tourism in Nigeria. The hospital was established to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare services to the population, reducing the need for citizens to seek medical treatment abroad.
Dr. Ogundipe stated, “Since our inaugural transplant in October 2021, we have successfully conducted 14 kidney transplants within our hospital, with the latest four performed between September 15th and 17th, 2023. I can confidently report that all four patients are recovering well, and their donors have returned home.”
He added, “We want to convey a message to those who may feel hopeless about their kidney-related health issues and are contemplating traveling abroad for treatment. We are pleased to inform them that ABUAD multi-system hospital is the ideal destination for them.”
Addressing concerns about organ trafficking in the country, Dr. Ogundipe highlighted the hospital’s strict protocols governing organ donations. Donors are meticulously interviewed to ensure they are not under any pressure or inducement to donate a kidney. Furthermore, donors are required to sign affidavits, aligning with international best practices.
He emphasized, “The only lawful and acceptable practice is that any kidney donor must act willingly and without coercion. Financial inducement is strictly prohibited to prevent any unethical practices, such as organ trafficking.”
Dr. Ogundipe also called on the Federal Government to enact policies aimed at addressing challenges in the nation’s healthcare sector. He specifically urged policies that would stabilize the Nigerian currency against the dollar, making medical treatment more affordable within the country compared to seeking treatment abroad.
Dr. Olusegun Aremu, a neurologist at the hospital, voiced concern about the rising prevalence of kidney issues in Nigeria. However, he commended the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital for providing solutions to these challenges. He stressed the importance of increased advocacy for preventive measures to combat kidney failure in society.
The hospital’s continuous achievements in the realm of kidney transplants underscore its commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria and providing accessible, world-class medical care to its citizens.
Leave a Reply