Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, has entered a transformative partnership with Marengo Asia Healthcare Private Limited (AMSH) to revolutionize kidney transplant services in Nigeria, aiming to curb medical tourism and provide life-saving treatments within the country.

The two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed yesterday in Ado Ekiti, will enable ABUAD to offer advanced renal care, including kidney transplants, in collaboration with the renowned Indian healthcare provider. The partnership is set to increase Nigeria’s capacity to treat kidney disease locally, saving patients from the costly and often inaccessible trips abroad for medical care.

Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, Chief Medical Director of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, revealed that the partnership would not only expand the hospital’s kidney transplant program but also introduce cutting-edge services such as Endourology for minimally invasive treatment of complex urological conditions and penile implants for erectile dysfunction. Ogundipe announced the launch of a new kidney transplant program scheduled for January 2025, building on the hospital’s initial success with renal care since performing its first kidney transplant in October 2021. The hospital’s dialysis sessions, which started at 10 per month, have now surged to over 400 per month, showcasing the growing demand for advanced kidney care.

Dr. Rajiv Sood, Chairman of Urology & Renal Transplant at Marengo Asia Hospital, commended ABUAD for its state-of-the-art facilities and 24-hour operation, distinguishing it from many public hospitals. Sood, a leading expert in urology and renal transplant, highlighted the potential of the partnership to position ABUAD Multi-System Hospital as a center for medical tourism in Africa. He also addressed the widespread issue of erectile dysfunction in Africa, noting that up to 50% of men suffer from it, often due to psychological factors, accidents, or chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.