Bago seals health pact with Zenith Kidney Centre to tackle brain drain in sector

The Niger State government has signed a partnership agreement with Zenith Kidney and Medical Centre to expand access to specialised healthcare and strengthen service delivery in the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the collaboration as comprehensive, covering knowledge exchange, training, patient referrals, and consultancy services. He said the initiative is part of the state’s effort to address the brain drain affecting the health sector.

“The Niger State government is taking deliberate steps to reverse the trend by investing significantly in the health sector,” the governor said, commending Zenith Kidney Centre’s medical director for his role in saving lives.

Dr Olatise Olalekan, the centre’s medical director, said the facility has carried out over 1,200 kidney transplants in Nigeria, including 20 for Niger State residents, and performs more than 1,500 dialysis sessions monthly. He noted that these services have helped reduce medical tourism for kidney treatments abroad.

The centre is also expanding into advanced neurology procedures, laser prostate surgery, and general surgery, while training postgraduate doctors in nephrology and urology. A 250-bed hospital is under construction to support more solid organ transplants.

Governor Bago highlighted the broader economic impact of such partnerships, saying:

> “We must replicate this success story across thousands of SMEs in Nigeria. Investing in SMEs will serve as an engine to lift millions out of poverty and position Nigeria as a hub of creativity and trade in the global economy.”

The partnership is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in Niger State, reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, and build a more sustainable healthcare system.