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Tag: FMC Abuja

  • FMC Abuja’s 1st living-donor kidney transplant successful

    FMC Abuja’s 1st living-donor kidney transplant successful

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja, has successfully performed its first living-donor kidney transplant. Living-donor kidney transplant usually involves a donated kidney from someone the recipient knows. It could be a family member, friend or co-worker.

    The facility’s management disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday.

    According to the statement, the surgery, which was conducted on May 6, was performed on a 69-year-old male Nigerian who suffered from end-stage renal disease; a condition where the kidneys lose the ability to function.

    However, a 39-year-old healthy donor and close relative of the patient donated one of his kidneys to the recipient, allowing for a life-saving transplant.

    It also said that the medical team led by Dr Ernest Aniede, consisting of in-house qualified surgeons, nephrologists, and other medical and non-medical professionals, worked diligently to ensure the successful outcome of the procedure.

    Also, that the surgery was performed under strict sterile conditions and involved meticulous techniques to minimise risks and maximise the chances of transplant success.

    The statement also noted that during his visit to the patient and the donor in the ward after the procedure, the Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, commended the patient and donor for their trust in the hospital’s services.

    He also commended the medical team for a successful surgery.

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    “This is 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.

    “This momentous surgery represents a step forward in providing life-changing treatment options for patients with kidney failure in the region and beyond.”

    He, however, said that the hospital’s dream was to be 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.

    According to the statement, Ahmed appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of the citizens and implementing crucial health reforms and initiatives in addressing kidney-related issues.

    He added that the President’s vision and dedication has led to significant progress in strengthening the healthcare system, especially in expanding access to dialysis, increasing funding for kidney disease research and enhancing training for healthcare professionals.

    In response, the donor and patient (recipient) expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the hospital management and staff for the professionalism and dedication they demonstrated before, during, and after the procedure.

    The statement added that the patient and donor have recovered fully and are awaiting discharge from the medical team.

  • FMC celebrates baby of the year, 230 patients in Abuja

    FMC celebrates baby of the year, 230 patients in Abuja

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, on Wednesday ushered in the new year with its annual Patients Appreciation Day, brightening the lives of 230 patients with thoughtful gifts and a promise of enhanced services in the coming year.  

    Instituted by Prof. Saad Ahmed, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), now in its fourth year, the annual event celebrated the hospital’s first baby of the year and over 230 patients, while reaffirming FMC’s commitment to exceptional healthcare with plans to introduce kidney transplant services and catheterization laboratory (cat lab) facilities.

    The Head of Clinical Services at FMC Abuja, Muftau Bioku Jimoh, described the occasion as a gesture of gratitude towards patients who have placed unwavering faith in the hospital’s services. 

    “This day is about appreciating our patients for staying with us throughout the past year. It’s also an opportunity to receive feedback on areas where we can improve while celebrating milestones like the first baby of the year,” Jimoh said.

    The celebration saw the distribution of gifts to patients, which included sanitary towels, children’s toys, kitchen items for women, shoes, hats, and blankets, among others.

    Organized by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with hospital management and development partners, Jimoh stressed that the event underscores the hospital’s emphasis on holistic patient care.

    Jimoh acknowledged ongoing challenges, including staff shortages due to brain drain, a national issue affecting healthcare delivery. 

    However, he reassured stakeholders of imminent improvements, noting that the Management of the hospital is already tackling staff shortages and brain drain challenges.

    “In the coming weeks, we will onboard additional staff across various specialties, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. This will ease the workload on our current team and enhance service delivery,” he said.

    Revealing that exciting new services would be unveiled by the hospital in 2025, he said 

    FMC Abuja plans to expand its cutting-edge medical offerings this year are underway. 

    “We already perform open-heart surgeries, spine surgeries, and laser treatments. 

    “In 2025, we will introduce kidney transplant services and catheterization laboratory (cat lab) facilities,” Jimoh revealed. 

    Furthermore, he said the hospital aims to upgrade its electronic medical record (EMR) system, advance research capabilities, and enhance training programs for healthcare professionals.

    The Head of the Department, Assistant Chief Medical Social Welfare Officer Erdoo Iorfa, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to addressing patients’ psychosocial needs alongside medical treatment and said holistic patient care is at the core of the hospital’s vision.

    “We prioritize holistic care, ensuring patients feel supported beyond their diagnoses. Our indigent fund and collaboration with donors, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations help us cater to the less privileged,” Iorfa said.  

    While using the Patients Appreciation Day as a call to action for the public, Iorfa said, “We urge individuals, organizations, and religious bodies to partner with us in supporting indigent patients. 

    “With transparent systems in place, every contribution directly benefits those in need”.

    Reflecting on her experience at the hospital, Peace Emmanuel, a mother of three who recently gave birth to her second child at FMC, described the hospital as a source of peace of mind. 

    “The service here has been awesome. The doctors and nurses are calm and gentle and talk to me calmly. 

    “I actually left another hospital to come here, and I have no regrets. It’s the best place to be,” she said, highlighting the professionalism and kindness of the staff. 

    Another patient, Adeola Ewedairo, who has relied on FMC since 2018 for her family’s healthcare, spoke highly of the hospital’s environment and services. 

    “Even though it’s not pleasant to be in a hospital, I always feel safe here. The nurses and doctors ensure adequate care, and there are no regrets,” she shared. 

    Ewedairo, however, pointed out the need for improved communication, citing understaffing as a challenge. 

    “Sometimes, they prioritize emergencies, which is understandable, but more hands would ensure no patient feels unattended to,” she suggested.  

    For retired senior banker, Bashir Ardo from Katsina, FMC was a lifeline during a critical health crisis. 

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    Ardo, who underwent multiple surgeries for hernia and prostate issues, described his initial despair and subsequent recovery. 

    “When I was referred here, I thought I wouldn’t survive. But the care I received changed everything. Today, I feel healthier and stronger,” he said, expressing gratitude to the hospital’s management and staff.  

    Hafsat Bello, the mother of the hospital’s first baby of the year, reflected on her experience with gratitude. 

    “Alhamdulillah. The services were excellent, and the staff treated me very well,” she said after delivering her baby at 5:40 a.m.  

    All the patients expressed gratitude for the care they received and applauded the hospital’s thoughtful gesture, further acknowledging FMC Abuja’s reputation for delivering quality healthcare.

  • FMC Abuja gets panel for kidney transplant modalities

    FMC Abuja gets panel for kidney transplant modalities

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja yesterday inaugurated a steering committee to prepare the ground for kidney transplant procedures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    During the inauguration, the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, said the move was meant to tackle the rising cases of kidney-related deaths in the FCT and other parts of the country, which the committee would address.

    According to him, while the cost of treating kidney-related ailments, especially transplants, is high, the FMC is adopting measures to address the shortage of expertise in the area.

    Read Also: Buhari appoints Prof. Saad Ahmed as CMD FMC Abuja

    The CMD urged the Ernest Aniede-led committee to work as a team with full dedication and commitment to ensure the successful launch of kidney transplant procedures at the facility.

    Presenting the official letters to the committee members, Prof. Ahmed urged them to give the assignment the attention it deserves.

    A statement by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Obadiah Gana, said the committee comprises senior medical experts, including Aniede, a consultant nephrologist.