From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Hospital, Abuja, has taken delivery of some kidney response equipment, and several other emergency medical kits from a not-for-profit organisation, First Call Aid, to help respond to the growing cases of kidney challenges among the people, and other medical emergencies.
The medical equipment include blood tubings, dialysers, bicarbonate salt, acid, fistula needles, heparin gauze roll and gloves, while 30 boxes of emergency kits for the trauma centre, specifically, were handed over to the officials of the hospital at a brief ceremony at the hospital complex, in Abuja.
Khadijat Fashina, Chairperson, First Call Aid, said the donation was part of key interventions of the NGO over the years. “First Call Aid was
born out of deep-rooted passion to change the narrative for those who are most vulnerable in times of medical crisis. We believe that in moment of medical emergency, every second count, and every life matter.
She recalled how the organisation was formed after a fatal accident she had in 2008 in the cause of her work. “The accident landed me in the Emergency Ward of Maitama General Hospital, Abuja. As I was there, I witnessed stark realities of lapses in the Nigeria’s health care system.
“I saw hopelessness in patients in dire needs. There was no basic necessities to attend to their urgent needs. Even the Ambulances are without fuel, and were being fueled by family members of patients who needed the services. It was at that time that I paid my utmost respect to emergency response workers our hospitals. With limited resources, these people performed miracles.
“That horrible experience made commit to any cause that will improve the health care system in Nigeria with whatever resources available to me, and that, perhaps, gave birth to the First Aid Call. It started small with some group of friends, and grew bigger and bigger with time
afterwards. Then, we called ourselves the ‘friends of National Hospital’. We were involved in medical care for patients including payment of bills for indigent patients.
At Sani Abacha hospital in Suleja, Niger state, we donated medical equipment, renovated blocks, supplied drugs, and several other items. Friends and family members, as well as well-wishers have been supportive, and that’s responsible for the successes we achieved.”
Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, who was represented by Nana Sanda, appreciated the intervention of the organisation particularly its leadership that conceived the idea some years ago.
He noted that the organisations like First Call Aid has supported health care institutions like the National Hospital in bridging gaps in health care services, disaster relief and humanitarian aid, and also offer hope and support to those who need it most.
“While our health sector is faced with significant challenges, the relentless commitment to improving lives continue to make a profound difference across the country, contributing to the government’s Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Programme.
“The goal is to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians,” he said.
He called for a collective effort by all to bring all resources to the table to reach those in need.
Chief Medical Director, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Mahmud Raji, who was represented by the Director, Clinical Services, Dr. Abba Badamasi, received the donated items.
He appreciated the organization for the good gesture and assured them that the items would be judiciously used for the patients that they were aimed for.
“I would also appeal that you remain friends with National Hospital, because it is a giant hospital whose budget can only take care of 10 per cent of the need of its needs. For instance, about 70 per cent of the patients in the hospital’s Trauma Center could not afford post-operation care as many of them were victims of ‘hit and run’ drivers,” he appealed.
