The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor has unveiled advanced renal care services at the hospital’s maiden Kidney Day held on 8th April, 2026.
The CMD described the event as a major milestone, noting that the introduction of Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy (CKRT), Automated Peritoneal Dialysis for adults and children, and Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) positions RSUTH as a leading centre for specialised renal care. He emphasized that the hospital is now equipped to provide life-saving interventions previously unavailable in the region, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Dr Eleki J. Beniboba, head of The Renal Centre RSUTH, in her welcome address says, “Kidney disease is a major contributor to the increasing burden of non-communicable disease globally, and she advocates for early detection to avoid an increase in spread and loss of life.”
The event attracted a notable turnout from the public and private sectors. Notable dignitaries present included the Permanent Secretary designate of Rivers State; Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, former Commissioner for Health; Chief (Dr.) Peter Ikechi Didia, Associate Professor of Medicine and CMD of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre; Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, Professor Patience Obiagwu (a trained trainer in Paediatric Nephrology) from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, President of the Nephrology Society of Nigeria; Prof. Obiago Eze, Consultant Nephrologist University of Port Harcourt; Prof Datonye D. Alasia
and the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Rivers State University, Professor Asumpta Chap-Jumbo.
Other stakeholders at the event were Prof. Pedro Emem-Chioma from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; Dr Ernest Chukwuma, Vice President 1 of AGPMPN; and Professor Kenneth Okagua, former CMD of the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board. The Head of the Renal Centre, Dr Eleki Beniboba, Paediatric Nephrologist RSUTH; Dr Datonye Briggs alongside other healthcare leaders and professionals, played pivotal roles in the event. Representatives of major private hospitals in the State also graced the occasion.
A major highlight was the recognition and award presented to the CMD by Dr Chimezie Okwuonu on behalf of the Nigerian Society for Apheresis, describing RSUTH as a national centre of excellence that is “bridging the gap between global medical standards and local healthcare delivery”.
Stakeholders commended the hospital’s leadership for its vision and commitment to advancing healthcare, noting that the new facilities will reduce medical tourism and expand access to quality care within the state and beyond.
RSUTH has once again reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a major referral hub, driving innovation and excellence in healthcare.
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