By Milcah Tanimu
The Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, located in Ado-Ekiti, has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing an additional four kidney transplants. Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, the Chief Medical Director, announced this achievement during a press briefing held at the multi-billion Naira hospital within the Afe Babalola University campus in Ado-Ekiti.
These successful kidney transplant surgeries were conducted between September 15 and 17, 2023, bringing the total number of kidney transplants performed at the hospital to 14 since October 2021. Dr. Ogundipe also reassured the public that all four transplant recipients and their donors are in stable condition.
Dr. Ogundipe emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the commitment of the hospital and its founder, Afe Babalola, to providing high-quality and affordable healthcare services within Nigeria, ultimately reducing the need for medical tourism abroad. He reiterated that the hospital is well-equipped and staffed with skilled medical professionals capable of addressing complex medical issues.
“We have successfully completed 14 kidney transplants in our hospital since our first one in October 2021, including the most recent four performed between September 15th and 17th, 2023,” the CMD stated. “All four patients are recovering well, and their donors have also returned home. We want people to know that there is hope here.”
In addressing concerns about organ trafficking, Dr. Ogundipe stressed that the hospital has stringent rules and procedures in place to ensure the ethical and lawful donation of organs. Donors undergo thorough interviews to ensure their willingness to donate without coercion or financial inducements. Additionally, donors are required to sign affidavits, aligning with global best practices.
“The only acceptable way is that donors must willingly and without any form of pressure or financial inducement,” Dr. Ogundipe affirmed. “We are committed to ethical standards in our services, and donors are required to sign affidavits to attest to their voluntary donation.”
Dr. Ogundipe urged the Federal Government to implement policies aimed at addressing challenges within the nation’s healthcare sector, particularly those that stabilize the exchange rate to make medical services more affordable domestically compared to abroad.
Dr. Olusegun Aremu, a neurologist at the hospital, expressed concern about the rising prevalence of kidney issues in Nigeria. However, he commended the ABUAD hospital for providing effective solutions to these challenges. Dr. Aremu called on stakeholders to intensify advocacy efforts to promote preventive measures for kidney-related illnesses within society.
