President Bola Tinubu has launched significant initiatives aimed at bolstering Nigeria's healthcare system, addressing critical needs and improving access to essential services for its citizens. These initiatives include a subsidy on kidney dialysis, reducing costs for patients, and the National Health Fellows Programme, designed to strengthen primary healthcare across the country.

In a move to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians suffering from kidney failure, President Tinubu has approved a substantial subsidy on kidney dialysis. The cost of dialysis has been reduced from N50,000 to N12,000, making the life-saving treatment more accessible. This subsidy is being implemented across six geopolitical zones at select federal medical institutions. These institutions include:

The subsidy program was launched in January at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi. Hammatu Haruna, the manager-in-charge of the renal center at ATBUTH, reported that patients are expressing immense satisfaction with the subsidy. She noted that the reduced cost has significantly improved patients' ability to access the treatment, leading to marked improvements in their condition. Previously, many patients struggled to afford dialysis, often having to sell possessions or forgo treatment altogether.

Since its launch on January 8, the scheme has already benefited 35 patients. The Federal Ministry of Health has provided ample resources to ensure the program's success, including a new dialysis machine and over 900 dialyzers.

In addition to the dialysis subsidy, President Tinubu has launched the National Health Fellows Programme, aimed at enhancing accountability and efficiency in healthcare delivery. During the launch in Abuja, President Tinubu declared the automatic engagement of all 774 personnel under the program, assuring them of employment after their one-year stint. These fellows will monitor Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across Nigeria's 774 local councils.

The National Health Fellows Programme, approved in April 2024, is a key component of Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The fellows have undergone training since February 27, 2024, under the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) coordination office. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has called for the integration of the fellows into the workforce at the federal, state, and local government levels to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.

President Tinubu has hailed the fellows as pioneers of a new era in primary healthcare. Prof Pate emphasized their crucial role in supporting the government's plan to expand PHCs from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery nationwide.

These initiatives reflect President Tinubu's administration's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's healthcare system, ensuring that essential medical services are more accessible and affordable for all citizens.