Kidney patients in Kaduna State can now receive treatment at St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, which has been boosted with a dialysis facility by Bijo Foundation. The facility, which is the third of its kind in the state, is expected to cater to the needs of patients with kidney disease as well as provide easy and affordable healthcare services to members of the society.
Speaking at the handing over of the facility in Kaduna, Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Reverend Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, described the donation as a “wonderful gesture’’ and urged other spirited individuals to give back to humanity.
Ndagoso stated that: “We encourage others to borrow a leaf from this, so that, if so, many Nigerians can replicate this in other hospitals and clinics all over the country, it will save many lives. It will make life worth living for many people, so it’s a wonderful gesture that we appreciate.”
Similarly, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Amina Mohammed Baloni described the donation as a landmark feat for the health sector in the state. While appreciating the foundation, she urged individuals of like minds to rise up to the challenge as the government cannot do it all alone.
She called for a sustainable collaboration with spirited-minded individuals and organisations noting that the church has been a good friend which government counts on.
The Managing Director/CEO of Bijo Foundation, Joseph Ikechukwu Akanisi, who said he was born in the hospital said their philanthropic gesture is not limited to only Christians as their next programme will go to a Muslim hospital in Zaria. He said the foundation will return to upgrade the ICU Centre and other places in the hospital.