No fewer than 200 patients benefit from Borno’s free kidney dialysis monthly.

Dr Garga Adama, Head of Department, Internal Medicine, at the State Specialist Hospital where the dialyses take place, made this known to News men in Maiduguri on Monday.

He said Gov. Babagana Zulum instituted the free dialysis programme two years ago following an upsurge of kidney diseases in the state.

“When we started two and half years ago with 10 machines, we were doing an average of 40 sessions per week, but now we do more than 90 sessions per week; that is 360 sessions per month.

“There is no discrimination. You don’t have to be an indigene of Borno to benefit.

“Dialysis costs about N40,000 per session and many patients need to do two sessions per week, meaning if a patient is to pay he has to spend about N360,000 monthly to survive,’’ Garga said.

He expressed regret, however, that inflation in the cost of materials was affecting the government’s funding which used to cover 240 to 300 sessions monthly.

Garga urged Gov. Zulum to increase the funding for the sustenance of the programme as the number of patients was on the rise.

“I also urge philanthropists and organisations like the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and many of the national and international health organisations intervening in the health sector in Borno to support the programme,’’ Garga pleaded.

He advised members of the public to observe healthy lifestyles and to desist from self-medication and the consumption of hard drugs and some local concoctions that could affect the kidney.

Garga also advised on the need to take more fluid in places like Borno that have hot weather as it helps to clear toxins from the kidney.

One of the beneficiaries of the free dialysis, Bitrus, said he started enjoying the programme in July.

“I thank God and all those involved in making this life-saving programme a reality.

“I also call for support from well-to-do people and organisations for the programme so that it can cover drugs as I spend not less than N20,000 weekly on drugs,’’ Bitrus said.

Another beneficiary, Hauwa, also urged more support for the programme from philanthropists to cover drugs even if it is at the level of subsidy.

A third beneficiary, Ibrahim, also solicited for support to subsidise the cost of drugs.

“Government will do better-spending billions subsidising healthcare delivery instead of spending same on fuel subsidy,’’ Ibrahim argued.