Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital Marks Milestone with 14 Successful Kidney Transplants in Three Years

The Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, has achieved a significant medical milestone, with the successful completion of four additional kidney transplant procedures. Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), made this announcement during a press briefing at the state-of-the-art hospital, located within Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti.

These successful surgical operations were conducted between September 15 and 17, 2023, bringing the total number of kidney transplants performed at the hospital to 14 since October 2021. CMD Ogundipe also reassured the public that all four transplant patients and their donors are in stable condition.

This remarkable achievement reaffirms the vision of the hospital’s founder, Afe Babalola, who aimed to establish an institution with the expertise and equipment to eliminate medical tourism in Nigeria. The hospital’s primary objective has always been to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare services to its patients, reducing the need for them to seek medical treatment abroad.

CMD Ogundipe expressed his pride in the hospital’s accomplishments, saying, “Since our inaugural kidney transplant in October 2021, we have successfully conducted 14 kidney transplants at our facility, including the latest four completed between September 15th and September 17th, 2023. All four patients have recovered well, and their donors have returned home.”

He emphasized the importance of spreading the word about the hospital’s capabilities, especially to those who may be considering seeking medical treatment overseas. “We want people to know that there is hope here,” Ogundipe added.

Addressing concerns about organ trafficking, CMD Ogundipe highlighted the rigorous procedures and rules in place for organ donations at the hospital. Donors undergo thorough interviews to ensure they are not under any pressure or inducement to donate a kidney. In adherence to global best practices, donors are also required to sign affidavits, further safeguarding the ethical and legal aspects of organ donations.

Dr. Ogundipe took the opportunity to call upon the Federal Government to enact policies that would address the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Specifically, he urged policies that would stabilize the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar, making medical treatment more affordable within Nigeria compared to abroad.

Dr. Olusegun Aremu, a neurologist at the hospital, expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of kidney issues in Nigeria. While acknowledging the country’s place among the top ten nations with the highest rates of kidney challenges, he praised Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital for providing solutions to this pressing issue. Aremu called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in advocating preventive measures for kidney failure within society.

The hospital’s remarkable achievements underscore its commitment to delivering advanced medical care and contributing to the betterment of healthcare in Nigeria.

(Source: NAN)