9,000 Nigerians Develop End-Stage Kidney Failure Monthly, Neurosurgeon Says

About 9,000 Nigerians develop end-stage kidney failure every month, a neurosurgeon, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, has said, warning that the rising burden of kidney disease requires urgent attention to prevention and early detection.

Ugwuanyi, Chief Medical Director of Wellington Hospital, Abuja, raised the concern during a press conference to mark the hospital’s 15th anniversary, where he called for greater public awareness of factors that contribute to kidney damage.

He expressed concern that the increasing number of people affected was taking on an alarming pattern, urging Nigerians to focus on established risk factors rather than unproven claims about the causes of the disease.

He identified uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes as major contributors to kidney damage, particularly among people who are unaware of their conditions or fail to adhere to prescribed treatment.

He also warned against the indiscriminate use of painkillers such as ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen, noting that misuse of these medicines could harm the kidneys. He urged Nigerians to check their blood pressure and blood sugar regularly, avoid self-medication and moderate alcohol consumption.

The neurosurgeon further called for healthier lifestyles and early medical intervention to reduce the risk of kidney complications. He said the hospital had installed seven dialysis machines to support critically ill patients who develop kidney problems during severe illness or after surgery.

He said the hospital has attended to 9,457 patients and performed 4,657 surgeries in 15 years of providing specialised neurological and neurosurgical services in the country.

Ugwuanyi said the hospital, established in February 2011, was founded to provide specialised treatment for disorders affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. He explained that he and his colleague, Dr Jubril, established the facility after training at a specialist neurological and neurosurgical hospital in London, with the aim of bringing their expertise back to Nigeria.

According to him, of the 4,657 surgeries performed, 2,150 were brain operations, while 2,307 involved the spine, with the remainder covering other procedures.

The CMD said the hospital had expanded its facilities and specialist services to improve access to advanced treatment locally. He listed its diagnostic and treatment capabilities to include MRI and CT scans, electroencephalography for epilepsy assessment, intensive care, neurorehabilitation and six operating suites.

He added that the hospital had also installed seven dialysis machines to support critically ill patients whose kidney function deteriorates during severe illness or after surgery, alongside other specialist services provided through collaborations with healthcare professionals.

Ugwuanyi said the hospital was committed to patient safety, professional training and collaboration with local and international specialists, stressing that quality healthcare required investment in modern equipment, reliable power and skilled personnel.

He disclosed that the facility had recorded 120 days of uninterrupted power supply after switching to solar energy, which he said had reduced equipment breakdowns and lowered operating costs.