Yobe govt introduces free dialysis for kidney patients

Yobe State Government has introduced free dialysis services for kidney patients across the state as part of efforts to tackle the rising cases of kidney-related diseases among residents.

The Commissioner for Information, Abdullahi Bego, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Maiduguri on Thursday. He said the initiative was introduced to ease the financial burden on patients and their families while improving access to quality healthcare.

Bego explained that the free dialysis programme was first introduced by the previous administration but has been maintained and expanded by the present government of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

He noted that the Buni administration has also supported a medical research project at the Yobe State University to identify the causes of kidney disease and failure, especially in the northern part of the state.

“The research seeks to determine the major causes of kidney disease and recommend measures that will help the government address the problem effectively,” he said.

According to him, the government has established a Special Kidney Hospital in Gashua to provide easier access to treatment and dialysis services for residents of northern Yobe.

Bego reaffirmed that healthcare remains one of the top priorities of Governor Buni’s administration, adding that a special fund has been set aside by the state government to sustain free dialysis and other essential medical services for Yobe residents.

He further said the state media agencies have been directed to intensify public awareness campaigns on the causes and prevention of kidney diseases, to help reduce new cases through early education and lifestyle changes.

Bego emphasised that the government’s long-term goal is not only to provide treatment but also to identify and eliminate the root causes of kidney problems across the state.