A photograph showing a symbolic cheque of one of the patients with Dr Chidolue in a red dress
No fewer than twenty two patients with kidney-related health issues undergoing hemodialysis at Premium Kidney Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State have been given financial relief.
During a media facility tour of the hospital where the financial help was announced, the Chief Medical Director, Dr Nene Chidolue presented symbolic cheques to each of the beneficiaries.
Each of the patients received the sum of N200,000 to assist them in their medical bills, moreso to put smiles on their faces this Christmas season, according to the hospital’s CMD.
She disclosed that was in inddition to subsidies in their medical treatments, a gesture that came through the instrumentality of Kidney Care Foundation.
Dr Chidolue said the intervention of the Foundation was born out of the understanding that the bills for hemodialysis could not be footed by many patients undergoing the treatment.
“In Nigeria, kidney failure is a preventable death sentence that affects the old, the young, the rich and the poor with equal vengeance.
“Treatment of kidney failure requires public and private donations because the only two treatment options, hemodialysis and transplant, are wickedly expensive.
“The average cost of one dialysis is about N40,000.00 and, the world gold standard is three times a week for a fairly normal life. At N120,000 per week, only very few individuals can afford treatment without governement support and private philanthropy.
“The staff and management of Premium Kidney Hospital, Nnewi, in collaboration with Kidney Care Foundation as well as key donors and supporters are in a spirited fight to change that narrative, “Dr Chidolue said.
Names of the donors as made available to the press are Umuopku Nnewi Houston; De Melody Beats; Ventex Health; Elik Health; Southwest Houston Medical Research; Iycon; Dr Marializa Bernardo; Prof Pat Chikelu; Dr Anthony Ogba; Dr Oby Okafor; Igwe Nnewi, Dr Kenneth Orizu III; His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi; Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Mr Sylvester Okonkwo, among others.
Dr Chidolue said the treatment voucher presentation was an annual event that recognized the Foundation’s donors and supporters.
“And, most importantly, it publicly brings to fore the joy and appreciation of our subsidy recipients that may not have the opportunity to interface with our donors.
“All dialysis treatments provided by Premium Kidney Hospital to patients are subsidized by donations from private and public donors Kidney Care Foundation. And, it runs throughout the year.
“We most sincerely thank our numerous corporate and private donors that have made it possible for Premium Kidney Hospital to provide thousands of dialysis treatments free of charge or at a considerably reduced cost. And, we look forward to your indispensable donations and sponsorship, “Dr Chidolue said.
Dr Chidolue appealed for public and private partnership to extend more help to the patients of the health facility who needed financial assistance to solve their health challenges.
The CMD said the hospital’s treatment for the meantime was more or less for the outpatients and gave the hope that in couple of time the inpatients would be comfortably taken care of.
Journalists were earlier taken round the hospital which is equipped with state-of-the-art machines, logistics and medical personnel for the patients.
