Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State in northeast Nigeria has announced a ₦1 billion financial support package to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients across the state.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, held in Maiduguri.
Zulum stated that the state government had authorised the immediate release of ₦250 million as an initial deposit to cover transplant procedures for 50 indigent patients.
“I am pleased to announce that the Borno State Government will deposit the sum of ₦250 million to support the kidney transplant of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute ₦1 billion as the government’s contribution towards supporting the less privileged indigenes of the state,” he said.
The governor assured attendees that the remaining ₦750 million would be disbursed in three instalments.
Zulum commended the teaching hospital for its recent successful kidney transplants, describing it as a major healthcare milestone in the state.
“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed, this is a landmark achievement and a great relief to patients, especially those who cannot afford the cost of a transplant,” he added.
He pledged continued support to UMTH and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare for vulnerable groups.
He further revealed that 10 new, fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across healthcare facilities before the end of the week to bolster maternal and child health services.
“As a government, we pledge our full support for the sustenance and scale-up of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative programme,” Zulum stated.
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He said the programme would deliver antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up, and routine immunisation.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, lauded the Governor for his collaborative approach in improving healthcare access and equity in Borno State.
“Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,” said Pate.
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, expressed gratitude for the state government’s earlier ₦500 million intervention in 2024, which helped restore critical services following devastating floods.
He said the intervention enabled the hospital to renovate its Trauma and Kidney Centres, procure consumables, and reactivate its oxygen plant.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON); the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson-Jack; members of the National Assembly; and 72 CMDs and medical directors from across the country.