The Senate, on Thursday, called on the Federal Government to expand its coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cover patients with chronic kidney disease.
It also urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to launch extensive public awareness campaigns on kidney disease prevention, risks and unavailable treatment.
The Senate’s resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central) under personal explanation during Tuesday’s plenary.
In his presentation, Yar’Adua said recent statistics from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology revealed that 25 million Nigerians were living with kidney diseases.
He said: “Chronic kidney disease constitutes about 40 per cent of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and is a significant contributor to daily hospital admissions.
“The cost of dialysis sessions in Nigeria ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 per session leading to low adherent rates due to financial constraints.
“The alternative to dialysis which is kidney transplant is financially unattainable for many with the cost exceeding N6.5 million.
“The National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria provides limited coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the need for expanded insurance coverage to support this treatment.
“Other states need to be taken to enhance kidney treatment facilities across the country.
“It is imperative that we act strictly to address the increasing rate of kidney disease by increasing awareness, improving treatment facilities, expanding insurance coverage and supporting infection prevention measures. We can also enhance the quality of life of millions of Nigerians affected by chronic kidney disease”.
