Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has entered into a significant partnership with Marengo Asia Healthcare Private Limited (AMSH), an India-based healthcare provider, aimed at advancing kidney transplant services and reducing the need for Nigerians to seek medical treatment abroad. The two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed as part of ABUAD’s ongoing efforts to expand the scope of its healthcare offerings and improve renal care within Nigeria.
Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, made the announcement during an interactive session with the media in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday. He explained that the partnership would not only enhance the hospital’s existing success in renal care but also introduce new specialized treatments in areas such as Endourology, which includes minimally invasive procedures for complex urological conditions, and penile implants for erectile dysfunction.
Since launching its kidney transplant program in October 2021, ABUAD has been at the forefront of renal care in Nigeria. Dr. Ogundipe revealed that the hospital’s dialysis services have significantly expanded, from 10 sessions per month to more than 400 monthly.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our kidney transplant program, which will officially begin in January 2025,” said Dr. Ogundipe. “This collaboration with Marengo Asia Healthcare will help us offer life-saving procedures and specialized treatments locally, reducing the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for care.”
The partnership has already yielded positive results, with four successful kidney transplants performed in the past 48 hours alone. These surgeries mark a key milestone for ABUAD as it strengthens its position as a regional hub for advanced medical care.
Dr. Rajiv Sood, Chairman of Urology and Renal Transplant at Marengo Asia Hospital, praised the collaboration, noting that ABUAD’s 24-hour operational model made it an ideal partner. “Many public hospitals operate with limited hours, but ABUAD’s round-the-clock service provides a unique advantage,” Dr. Sood said. “Our goal is to help ABUAD become a center for medical tourism in Africa, particularly for urology and renal transplants.”
Dr. Sood also highlighted the growing need for treatment of erectile dysfunction in Africa, noting that up to 50% of men on the continent suffer from the condition, which can be caused by factors like psychological stress, accidents, or chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Through this partnership, ABUAD and Marengo Asia Healthcare hope to further elevate Nigeria’s healthcare sector and reduce the country’s reliance on overseas medical care.
