The commissioner for health and human services, Mohammed Gana, says the Yobe University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), Damaturu, will soon begin kidney transplants.
Mr Gana told MAIDAWAAREWA that the hospital would conduct the operation in partnership with the Urology and Nephrology Centre, Mansoura University, Egypt.
He 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 Governor Mai Mala Buni decided to provide kidney transplanting equipment to YSUTH since the hospital has the manpower to use them with good training,” said the commissioner. “All these are aimed at bringing down the cost of renal treatment and bringing succour to our people.”
According to him, dialysis is free at the hospital, with new dialysis units soon to be established in Gashua and Nguru.
“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,” the health commissioner explained. “We will work together in identifying the cause and addressing the disease.”
Mr Gana added that findings had shown that the disease had links with chemical fertilisers and water supply.
“If it is water supply, we will liaise with the ministry of water resources for interventions,” Mr Gana said.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the research would unravel the mystery behind the upsurge in cases of renal disease in Yobe.
