The Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, says it has commenced implementation of the kidney dialysis subsidy approved by the Federal Government, with patients now paying only ₦12,000 per session.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuegbu, confirmed the development in an interview with reporters in Owerri on Sunday.
He recalled that in August, the Federal Government announced a reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000 per session in selected pilot hospitals across the country.
According to him, the initiative aims to reduce the physical and financial suffering of vulnerable Nigerians and cut down deaths linked to kidney-related diseases.
Onuegbu said the hospital began implementing the subsidy “without delay,” alongside other designated health facilities nationwide.
He urged members of the public to visit the hospital and confirm the implementation for themselves rather than rely on hearsay.
A nephrologist at the hospital, who identified himself simply as Dr. Ned, confirmed the development, describing it as “no longer speculation but the truth.”
He commended the Federal Government for the timely rollout of the subsidy, saying it had already increased patient attendance at dialysis units in designated hospitals.
“The implementation of this subsidy is currently in the pilot phase, and this hospital is not left out. It represents a major step toward reducing the burden of kidney disease in the country,” he said.
Dr. Ned also called for the inclusion of dialysis and kidney transplant services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure sustainable and equitable access.
A public health practitioner, Mr. Stephen Onyewuchi, described the development as a relief for patients struggling with kidney-related diseases.
“Nothing beats affordable healthcare, especially in the face of current economic challenges,” Onyewuchi said.
Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of St. Anthony Hospital, Obinze, Dr. Christopher Agu, lauded the initiative, describing it as a “real dividend of democracy” and a boost to the nation’s healthcare indices.
He urged private healthcare providers to key into the initiative and called for the speedy expansion of the National Health Insurance Act to cover major kidney-related ailments.
Stakeholders who spoke to reporters appealed to the Federal Government to sustain the subsidy and ensure it is implemented across all parts of the country.
