The Stanley Inye Lawson (SIL) Foundation, headed by Ubile Charity Lawson, has made a significant contribution to healthcare accessibility in Nigeria by donating essential dialysis machines and medical supplies to Gbagada General Hospital. The donation aims to provide affordable or free dialysis treatments to vulnerable patients in the community who otherwise could not afford the high costs associated with such life-saving procedures.
During the handover, Lawson emphasized that the foundation’s mission is to ease the burden on underprivileged Nigerians, particularly those who require routine dialysis but lack the financial means to pay for it. Dialysis treatments, which can cost several thousand naira per session, are a financial strain for many. Lawson’s words highlighted the foundation’s goal of offering these services at no or greatly reduced cost.
Alongside the dialysis machine, the SIL Foundation also provided consumables and spare parts, ensuring that the hospital has the necessary resources for effective treatment. While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining the machines, such as high operational costs like electricity, Lawson stressed that the donated supplies would help lower these expenses, enabling the hospital to treat more patients.
The donation to Gbagada General Hospital is just the first phase of the foundation’s nationwide outreach. Another dialysis machine has been delivered to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and additional machines will be provided to healthcare facilities in Port Harcourt and Abuja. In total, the foundation plans to deploy five dialysis machines across Nigeria, retaining one unit for emergencies or future needs.
The Medical Director at Gbagada General Hospital expressed the growing need for more dialysis equipment, with Lawson acknowledging the increasing demand. This highlights the urgent need for more resources to address the healthcare crisis in Nigeria.
The SIL Foundation’s initiative is a response to the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where the cost of essential treatments like dialysis often leaves many patients without care. By focusing on public hospitals, the foundation hopes to reduce wait times and improve health outcomes for Nigerians suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Lawson urged greater societal involvement, saying, “This is about compassion. If we all contribute in our own way, we can save lives and build a healthier nation.” The donated dialysis consumables, which are expected to last for weeks, will support treatments and provide relief to many. Health officials have praised the initiative, noting its potential to drastically improve access to life-saving treatments for the underprivileged.
This gesture from the SIL Foundation offers a glimmer of hope for Nigerians in need of dialysis, while also drawing attention to the pressing challenges faced by the country’s healthcare system.
