Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital , Ado-Ekiti, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe says the facility has attained yet another medical feat, with the successful conduct of four additional kidney transplant.
He said the new feat has further confirmed the declaration, made years ago by founder of the University and hospital, Afe Babalola (SAN), to the effect that the institution had the manpower and equipment to end medical tourism in the country.
He made this known Tuesday, while briefing newsmen at the multi-billion Naira hospital, located in Afe Babalola University , Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
According to him, the successful surgical operation, was carried out between September 15th and 17th , 2023, thereby making a total of 14 kidney transplant, so far conducted, since October 2021.
The CMD further disclosed that both the four patients and their donors are in stable condition.
He recalled that chief Afe Babalola, established the medical facility, to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to the people without having to travel abroad.
“ Since we had our index transplant in October 2021, we have successfully carried out 14 kidney transplant in our hospital, with the latest four, which we did between September 15th and 17th , 2023.
“ I can tell you that the four patients are doing fine and recovered well , even their donors have since returned home. We want to let the people know that when they feel there is no hope , there is hope here.
“We know there a lot of people outside there, battling with kidney issue and they are worried and considering , until travelling out of the country to get healing, I am happy to tell them that there is a perfect destination for them in ABUAD multi-system hospital.”
On the cases of organ trafficking in the country, the CMD stated that the hospital has stringent rule and procedure, guiding it whenever people appeared to donate for patients.
He revealed that aside the fact that the donor would be properly interviewed to know he, or she was not being pressured or induced to donate kidney, the individual would be made to sign an affidavit, in line with global best practices.
“ The truth , and the only thing which is lawful and accepted, is that any donor must be doing it willingly without compulsion, and must not be induced financially, so that we don’t have a situation that they are buying off the kidney.
“ On our part , we don’t involve in any unethical practices relating to our services in the hospital.
” Aside ensuring family member as donors, an affidavit will also be sworn by the individual,” he said.
He called on the federal government to initiate policies that would address the challenges in the nation’s health sector, “ especially policy that will stabilize the naira against the dollar for us to get these medical needs abroad cheaper.”
On his part, a neurologist in the hospital, Dr Olusegun Aremu while lamenting the increasing level of kidney issues among the people, said the ABUAD hospital was providing solutions to the challenges.
Aremu declared that Nigeria is among the top ten countries with highest number of kidney challenges, called on stakeholders to step up advocacy on preventive measures for kidney failures in the society.