Healthcare company Osiris Health has launched an initiative to provide free haemodialysis sessions to patients in Lagos, Ibadan, and Akure. The sessions, which took place at the company’s dialysis centres, were held to commemorate World Heart Day. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden of dialysis on patients with kidney failure. Osiris Health operates dialysis centres at R-Jolad Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos; Lad Hospital, Orita Challenge, Ibadan; and First Mercy Specialist Hospital, Gbogi, Akure.
The cost of dialysis in private facilities ranges from N50,000 to N80,000 per session, with most patients requiring two to three sessions weekly. This translates to a monthly cost of approximately N1 million, a significant expense for many patients who have little or no insurance coverage. Osiris Health estimates that 25 million Nigerians live with chronic kidney disease, with high blood pressure and diabetes being major drivers of the condition.
According to Osiris Health, heart disease remains the most common cause of death among people on dialysis, highlighting the close link between cardiovascular and kidney health. The company’s initiative seeks to make dialysis more affordable in the cities where it operates while creating social impact. Osiris Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayoola Oladipupo, stated that the company is driven by purpose and impact, despite being a for-profit organisation.
Oladipupo mentioned that Osiris Health offers some of the lowest dialysis prices in the cities where it operates, making it a more affordable option than many government hospitals. The company also conducts free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings in churches, mosques, and markets around its dialysis centres as part of its preventive health initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to address the root causes of kidney disease.
Osiris Health currently has five hospital partners across Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Warri, and Ilorin. The company plans to establish 20 dialysis centres across Nigeria by 2028, expanding its reach and impact. By increasing access to affordable dialysis, Osiris Health hopes to improve the lives of thousands of patients with kidney failure.
The free haemodialysis sessions provided by Osiris Health are a significant relief to patients and their families, who often struggle to afford the high cost of treatment. By marking World Heart Day with this initiative, the company raises awareness about kidney disease and offers support to those affected. This move demonstrates Osiris Health’s commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Osiris Health’s initiative is a notable example of a private company taking proactive steps to address a critical healthcare issue in Nigeria. With its focus on affordability, awareness, and preventive care, Osiris Health is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with kidney failure. As the company continues to expand its operations, it is likely to have an increasingly significant impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.
Key points
- Osiris Health provides free haemodialysis sessions in Lagos, Ibadan, and Akure to mark World Heart Day.
- The company estimates that 25 million Nigerians live with chronic kidney disease.
- Osiris Health plans to establish 20 dialysis centres across Nigeria by 2028.
