CurrentReport Blog In a significant move aimed at addressing the critical challenges faced by chronic kidney disease patients in Nigeria, the Senate adopted a resolution on Thursday to provide comprehensive health insurance packages. The resolution stemmed from a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District, seeking increased awareness and improvement of kidney treatment facilities in the country.
The motion, brought to the floor on World Kidney Day, highlighted the alarming statistics of over 25 million Nigerians suffering from chronic kidney disease. Senator Yar’adua expressed concern over the lack of attention paid to these patients due to the exorbitant costs of treatment, citing dialysis sessions ranging from N20,000 to N50,000 per session and kidney transplantation costs exceeding N6,500,000.
Chronic kidney disease constitutes about 40% of referrals to tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and significantly contributes to daily hospital admissions. The high financial burden associated with treatment leads to low adherence rates among patients.
Recognizing the limitations of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in providing adequate coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, the Senate emphasized the need for expanded insurance coverage to support treatment. The resolution also called for the implementation of infection prevention training and supervision protocols to safeguard patients.
