The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi has decided to reduce the cost of kidney dialysis by 70%. This significant reduction aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by patients seeking treatment for kidney-related issues. The price per dialysis session has been slashed from ₦40,000 to a more affordable ₦12,000.
The Head of the hospital’s Public Relations Unit, Usman Koli, shared this positive development, emphasizing that it is a proactive step to assist patients in need. Professor Yusuf Bara, the Chief Medical Director, is optimistic about the impact of this initiative on patients’ well-being.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has played a crucial role in supporting this program by ensuring an adequate supply of necessary consumables and providing a new dialysis machine to enhance the hospital’s capabilities. This underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, especially during challenging times.
So far, more than 45 individuals have benefited from the reduced-cost dialysis services. This initiative aligns with ATBUTH’s mission to deliver affordable and top-notch healthcare services, fostering public confidence in the healthcare sector. The hospital intends to maintain close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to uphold and expand similar programs for the broader community.
One of the patients, Magaji Galadima, expressed deep appreciation for the program, noting the significant impact it has had on improving access to treatment for those previously unable to afford it. This initiative has truly been a life-changing intervention for many individuals.