BY NEWS DESK, JULY 30, 2025 | 10:32 AM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has announced a N1 billion financial support package for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients from the state.
This initiative aims to provide free kidney transplants to indigent patients who are natives of Borno State.
He authorized for an initial deposit of N250 million to cover the transplants for 50 patients.
The remaining N750 million is expected to be disbursed in three installments.
He made this announcement on Tuesday during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, alongside the commissioning of epoch-making projects at UMTH.
'I am pleased to announce that Borno State government will deposit the sum of N250 million to support kidney transplant of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute N1 billion as government's contribution towards supporting the less privileged indigenes of the State.
'The Borno State government therefore pledges to support this initiative and is ready to provide all the partnership required to sustain the provision of kidney transplant to less privileged patients at UMTH. This is only the beginning—I promise to do even more,' he added
The governor also announced plans to bolster the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
Ten new fully equipped ambulances will be deployed across health facilities by the week's end to support this initiative.
He emphasized the state's commitment to providing comprehensive antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up, and routine immunization to protect children from preventable diseases.
While reacting, minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, lauded Gov. Zulum for fostering collaboration between state and federal governments to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.
'Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,' Pate said.
Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, acknowledged the state's N500 million intervention following the 2024 floods, which helped restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables, and reactivation of oxygen plant.