By Christopher Ajewole 
President Bola Tinubu has brought much-needed relief to Nigerians suffering from kidney disease by approving a subsidy that reduces the cost of dialysis from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000 per session. This initiative is a game-changer, easing the financial burden on patients and improving access to life-saving treatment.
Transforming Kidney Care: From Crisis to Relief
Before the subsidy, many kidney patients struggled to afford dialysis, often paying as much as ₦50,000 per session—a significant barrier to continuous treatment. The new subsidy, which took effect on January 8, has already benefited 35 patients, allowing them to receive care at a much lower cost.
Healthcare professionals have welcomed this development, including Hammatu Haruna, manager of the renal centre at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital. She noted that patients are now paying only ₦12,000 and are deeply appreciative of the initiative.
Beyond making treatment more affordable, the subsidy has also led to improvements in patient health, job creation in the healthcare sector, and overall economic growth.
Where Can Patients Access the Subsidized Dialysis?
The program is currently available in 11 federal medical institutions across Nigeria, including:
- 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
The Federal Ministry of Health has played a key role in the program’s success, supplying hospitals with essential equipment, including one dialysis machine and over 900 dialyzers.
A Call for Expansion
Medical experts and policymakers are urging the government to extend the subsidy to more hospitals nationwide. Dr. Emmanuel Ameh, a nephrologist, described the program as “transformative,” emphasizing how it has not only improved access to dialysis but also reduced the financial burden on patients and their families.
The Rising Tide of Kidney Failure in Nigeria
The increasing cases of kidney failure in Nigeria have become a national concern. In response, the Yobe State Government launched an investigation in February 2025, sending a 50-member team of health professionals to study the rising cases in specific regions. The team—comprising nephrologists, neurologists, laboratory scientists, and other specialists—is conducting research in Bade and Damaturu Local Government Areas, interviewing 2,000 residents to determine whether environmental, lifestyle, or genetic factors contribute to the surge in kidney disease cases.
A Step in the Right Direction
With over 25 million Nigerians affected by chronic kidney disease, access to affordable treatment remains a pressing issue. The economic burden of dialysis and transplants is immense, with each session previously costing a minimum of ₦50,000 and kidney transplants starting at ₦10 million.
By reducing dialysis costs, the subsidy program is a major step toward improving healthcare accessibility. However, for long-term impact, expanding this initiative to more hospitals and integrating preventive healthcare measures will be crucial.
This program marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, offering hope to thousands who previously struggled to afford life-saving dialysis. The question now is: Will the government expand this initiative further, ensuring more Nigerians can access affordable kidney care?
Valentine Alexander 
Susan Olalere
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