The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja has marked a significant milestone in Nigerian healthcare by successfully performing its first living-donor kidney transplant, the facility's management announced on Friday.
The groundbreaking surgery, conducted on May 6, involved a 69-year-old male Nigerian suffering from end-stage renal disease—a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to function. A 39-year-old close relative of the patient donated one of his kidneys for the life-saving procedure.
Dr. Ernest Aniede led the medical team comprising in-house qualified surgeons, nephrologists, and other medical and non-medical professionals. The surgery was performed under strict sterile conditions with meticulous techniques to minimize risks and maximize the chances of transplant success.
Professor Saad Ahmed, Medical Director of FMC Abuja, described the successful operation as "a major milestone for FMC Abuja and a positive sign for the healthcare landscape in Nigeria."
"This surgery demonstrates the hospital's commitment to providing advanced and life-changing treatments to its esteemed patients," Ahmed stated during his visit to the patient and donor after the procedure. "This momentous surgery represents a step forward in providing life-changing treatment options for patients with kidney failure in the region and beyond."
The Medical Director expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his "unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of citizens" and implementing crucial health reforms addressing kidney-related issues. He credited the President's vision with significant progress in strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in expanding access to dialysis, increasing funding for kidney disease research, and enhancing training for healthcare professionals.
Both the donor and recipient have reportedly recovered fully and are awaiting discharge. They expressed heartfelt appreciation to the hospital management and staff for their professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process.
The hospital's management stated that their vision is to become "a world-class health institution for rendering quality healthcare through teamwork, leveraging on cutting-edge technology to enhance research, training, and innovation in healthcare provision."
This successful kidney transplant represents a significant advancement in Nigeria's medical capabilities and offers new hope for patients suffering from kidney failure across the country.
