The Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH) to partner an Egyptian hospital to commence kidney transplant in the state.
The Yobe Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr
Mohammed Gana said the state University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), Damaturu,
will soon commence kidney transplants.
Gana in Damaturu on Tuesday that the hospital would conduct
the operation in partnership with the Urology and Nephrology Centre, Mansoura
University, Egypt.
Gana said the partnership would see doctors from the centre
visiting YSUTH to conduct kidney transplantation and YSUTH doctors receiving
advanced training in nephrology at the centre in Egypt.
“The ultimate management of renal impairment is kidney
transplantation and we know how expensive it is and difficult to access.
“This is why Gov. Mai Mala Buni decided to provide kidney
transplanting equipment to YSUTH since the hospital has the manpower to use
them with good training.
“All these are aimed at bringing down the cost of renal
treatment and bringing succour to our people,” the commissioner said.
He said that dialysis was free at the hospital, adding that
new dialysis units would soon be established in Gashua and Nguru, two areas
worst hit by the disease.
On prevention and cause establishment, the commissioner said
the state and development partners would soon commission a high-profile
research.
“Kidney disease is prevalent in Yobe, especially in the
northern parts of the state.
“The research will be collaborative because this disease is
also present in some parts of Jigawa.
“We will work together in identifying the cause and
addressing the disease.
“Preliminary findings are linking the problem to chemical
fertilizer and water supply.
“If it is water supply, we will liaise with the Ministry of
Water Resources for interventions,” Gana said.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the research would
unravel the mystery behind the upsurge cases of renal disease in the state.