Kidney Dialysis: JUTH Records Surge in Patients After FG Subsidy
October 15, 2025 | Jos
The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has reported a surge in the number of patients seeking kidney dialysis in Nigeria, following the implementation of the Federal Government’s ₦12,000 dialysis subsidy.
Professor Oche Agbaji, Consultant Nephrologist and Head of the Nephrology Unit at JUTH, disclosed this on Wednesday in an interview with journalists in Jos. He explained that the sharp rise in patient turnout began after the subsidy was introduced in August 2025.
According to Agbaji, many kidney failure patients from other hospitals, as well as those who could not previously afford the treatment, now visit JUTH to benefit from the Federal Government’s subsidy on kidney dialysis in Nigeria. He noted that the hospital’s Dialysis Unit now operates 24 hours daily to meet the increasing demand.
The consultant, who also specializes in HIV Medicine, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a timely measure that has eased the financial burden on many kidney patients. He said the initiative would significantly alleviate the suffering of people battling chronic kidney disease across the country.
Agbaji, however, urged the public to adopt preventive healthcare practices rather than waiting until they develop symptoms of kidney problems before seeking medical help. He advised that individuals without hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease should undergo kidney function tests at least once a year. For those who are hypertensive, diabetic, or have a family history of kidney issues, he recommended testing at least once every three months.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Abdul Lawal, a patient who undergoes dialysis twice weekly, praised the Federal Government for subsidizing the cost of treatment, describing the initiative as life-saving. Similarly, Mr. Shola Popo, whose son receives dialysis twice a week, also commended the government for what he called a “compassionate gesture” toward patients.
Popo, however, appealed to the authorities to further reduce the cost of kidney dialysis in Nigeria, noting that many patients still struggle to meet other medical expenses despite the subsidy.
With the growing influx of patients, JUTH remains one of the major tertiary hospitals in the country providing accessible kidney dialysis services, thanks to the Federal Government’s ongoing support for affordable healthcare. http://gmtnewsng.com
