A Sokoto-based technician, Abdullahi Kasimu, who is currently battling with kidney disease has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to come to his aid in order to get out of the grip of his debilitating ailment before it takes his life.
Kasimu, a native of Iwo in Osun State was diagnosed of kidney failure early this year at Usman Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, with a prognosis that he needs a kidney transplant surgery in order to live a normal life again.
“It started in January this year when I noticed I had severe headache continuously and in spite of taking pills, there was no respite. It went on till it got to the stage that I couldn’t sleep any longer and the pain became unbearable, so I went to the Usman Dan Fodiyo Teaching Hospital, where the nurses at the General Out-Patients Department (GOPD) took my blood pressure (BP) and was discovered it had raised to 240.
“The doctor immediately prescribed some drugs and advised that I stay indoors for a week without any stressful activity. I complied and reported back to the hospital as directed, but my blood pressure registered minute improvement and they referred me to a specialist for further medical examination and tests carried out revealed that my kidney has failed,” he said.
Since the pronouncement, the 49-year-old has visited many major hospitals, including Bayero University Teaching Hospital, Kano in search of remedy.
He, however, added that lack of finance is aiding the fast deterioration of his health condition.
A medical document from the Usman Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital where he is currently undergoing weekly dialysis with blood transfusion states that he needs urgent kidney transplant to save his life.
He is said to be in need of between six and N10 million for the procedure. “Presently, we don’t encourage our patients to travel to either India or Egypt simply because it can also be done here in Nigeria.
“There is a centre in Kano where it will only cost him about N6 million or that of Abuja which can also cost him around N8 million for the operations.
“We recommend that of Kano or Abuja for our patients these days because it will be easy for them and us to do a follow-up. Most times when they go to India or Egypt for the transplant, if there is a relapse or any other problem arises, they will start looking for money again to travel back,” Kasimu’s doctor stated.
And because he has nowhere to turn, Kasimu is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians for financial assistance in order to seek treatment either in Nigeria or outside the country.
Financial aid can be sent to his account:
Abdullahi Kasimu,
United Bank of Africa
2058285631
He can also be reached on phone number 08030411944