We Spend N360m On Free Dialysis Annually – Yobe SSG

DAMATURU – The Yobe State Government has disclosed that over 2000 blood and urine samples, along with 500 samples of soil, water, fish, vegetables, and other food items, have been collected in Bade and Damaturu Local Government Areas as part of an extensive study to determine the root causes of kidney failure in the state.

This was revealed by the Special Adviser on Science, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, who also serves as the Director of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali.

The visit followed the successful completion of the first phase of sample and data collection in Bade and Damaturu Local Government Areas.

Dr. Maina, attributing the centre’s progress to the dedicated teamwork of the BioRTC team, expressed gratitude to the SSG for his unwavering support, which he described as instrumental to the success of the project.

He explained that the research initiative is part of a broader effort by the Yobe State Government, under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, to address the rising cases of kidney disease in the state.

Dr. Maina further stated that the ongoing research represents the first stage of the project, adding that a second phase will follow, focusing on individuals already diagnosed with kidney disease for further analysis.

In his response, the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali revealed that Yobe State Government is paying Three Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N360,000,000) annually for free dialysis to patients living with kidney disease in the state.

Wali noted that the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni is worried about rising cases of kidney failure in the state more especially in Bade, noting that the governor has earlier led a delegation to London School of Hygiene and other institutions in England mainly to initiate the research project.

Also speaking, the Commissioner, Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana has stated that what Yobe State Government is doing in terms of funding the kidney research is a dividend of democracy.

He then commended the efforts of the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni for giving priority to the health sector in the state in which he said most of the governments are very weak in funding research.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Baba Waru Goni, commended the government of the state for the continued support of healthcare initiatives in the state.