Jigawa State Government has raised concern over the increasing cases of kidney disease in the state.
State commissioner for Health, Abdullahi Kainuwa raised the concern during the Annual Physician Week, organised by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) held in Hadejia town.
Kainuwa explained that diabetes and hypertension are key factors contributing to chronic kidney disease.
He said, “The incidences of diabetes and hypertension are skyrocketing, and everybody knows the contribution of diabetes and hypertension to chronic Kidney Disease.
“In the year 2023, 147,924 visits were made by patients to Jigawa Hospitals for treatment of hypertension.
“In 2023, about 94,000 visits were made to diabetics, and about 9,448 visits were made to those with sickle cell disease.”
He said state government is committed to addressing the problem.
Kainuwa noted that the state government is planning to make dialysis free of charge for all patients from Jigawa State by March next year.
“We are building free Kidney Dialysis centres at the headquarters of the five emirate councils of the state —Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim, and Gumel —by March next year.
“By January all diabetics, hypertension and sickle cell patients will start receiving free treatment in state-owned health facilities.”