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Tinubu Slashes Kidney Dialysis Cost to ₦12,000 in Federal Hospitals, A Lifeline for Millions
By DocuNews Central
In a bold healthcare intervention that could save countless lives, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a massive reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis across federal medical institutions, cutting the price per session from an average of ₦50,000 to just ₦12,000.
This initiative, which has already kicked off in selected federal hospitals, is being hailed as one of the most significant healthcare subsidies in Nigeria in recent years. For the millions of Nigerians battling kidney disease, it is more than just an economic relief — it is a lifeline.
The Silent Burden of Kidney Disease in Nigeria
Kidney-related illnesses have long been one of the hidden health crises in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, an estimated 20 million Nigerians suffer from varying stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many progress to end-stage renal failure, where dialysis becomes the only means of survival pending a kidney transplant — a treatment that remains financially and logistically out of reach for most.
For years, patients have had to endure the crushing financial weight of dialysis treatments. On average, a patient requires dialysis two to three times a week, each session previously costing up to ₦50,000 in many public and private facilities. For an ordinary Nigerian household already battling inflation, rising fuel prices, and general economic strain, this meant a monthly bill of ₦300,000–₦600,000.
It is no surprise that many patients were forced to either drastically cut down their treatment schedules or abandon them altogether — often with fatal consequences.
Now, with Tinubu’s intervention, the cost has been slashed to ₦12,000 per session in federal hospitals, representing a 76% subsidy. This dramatic reduction may finally give patients and their families a fighting chance.
Where Nigerians Can Now Access Subsidized Dialysis
The federal government confirmed that ten major hospitals across the six geopolitical zones are already implementing the new pricing structure:
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja
University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri
University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar
Government officials have assured the public that more medical centres will be included before the end of 2025, ensuring nationwide access.
A Human Story: From Despair to Hope
At FMC Ebute-Metta, one of the facilities now implementing the new pricing, families expressed overwhelming relief.
For 43-year-old Mrs. Gloria Adeyemi, whose husband has been on dialysis for over a year, the subsidy is nothing short of a miracle.
“We were already selling off household items just to keep up with the cost of treatment. Every week, I feared we wouldn’t have enough money for his sessions. When the hospital told us about the new ₦12,000 charge, I cried tears of joy. Now my husband has a chance to live.”
Her story mirrors that of countless Nigerians who were on the brink of despair. With this policy, lives that might otherwise have been cut short are being given new hope.
The Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Action
The subsidy aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes strengthening healthcare delivery and making essential treatments more accessible.
In recent months, the administration has rolled out other health-related initiatives, including:
Support for maternal and child health through subsidized cesarean sections in some states.
Expansion of national health insurance to cover more low-income earners.
Plans for more investment in medical infrastructure and staff training.
With this latest step, Tinubu’s government has signaled that it intends to take on one of Nigeria’s most devastating silent killers — kidney failure.
Why This Move Matters Beyond Healthcare
This policy is not just about medicine; it is about equity, dignity, and hope.
Healthcare analysts argue that subsidizing dialysis will have ripple effects beyond the health sector. Families that previously spent their entire incomes on treatment can now redirect funds to food, education, and small businesses. This, in turn, strengthens communities and reduces poverty cycles.
Furthermore, by subsidizing care in public hospitals, the government may help reduce overcrowding in emergency wards, as fewer kidney patients are expected to arrive in crisis due to skipped dialysis sessions.
Challenges Ahead
While the policy is groundbreaking, experts caution that there are still challenges.
Capacity and Equipment: Nigerian hospitals often face shortages of dialysis machines and trained staff. With the subsidy attracting more patients, demand may quickly outpace supply.
Funding Sustainability: At ₦12,000 per session, the government will bear a significant subsidy burden. Ensuring consistent funding will be critical.
Awareness and Accessibility: Many Nigerians in rural areas may not know about the program or have the means to travel to the designated federal hospitals.
Still, health professionals widely agree that this is a positive and necessary step.
What Next for Kidney Patients?
For now, patients are being advised to confirm availability of the subsidized treatment at the listed hospitals before making travel arrangements. The government has also hinted that a national rollout will follow soon, with state and private partnerships expected to complement the federal subsidy.
Advocacy groups are already calling for a comprehensive kidney health strategy, including early screening programs, dietary awareness campaigns, and more accessible transplant opportunities.
Final Word
For decades, dialysis treatment in Nigeria was a death sentence for the poor. Families were pushed into debt, patients were forced to choose between food and treatment, and countless lives were lost in silence.
Now, with this intervention, President Tinubu has shifted the narrative — at least for those who can reach the subsidized centres. It is a policy that touches the very heart of humanity: the right to live.
As one Lagos patient said:
“This is not just a subsidy; it is hope, it is life.”
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