Saudi Medical Team Performs Free Surgeries on 52 Patients in Kano

The Kano State Government has unveiled a Saudi-backed medical intervention at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), where 52 patients received free urological surgeries during a six-day specialist medical outreach.

The programme was conducted by specialist doctors from Saudi Arabia under the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, targeting vulnerable residents who could not afford specialised surgical treatment.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended the Saudi government and the visiting medical team for supporting residents in need of specialised healthcare.

The governor said this was the fourth time a Saudi medical team had conducted a surgical outreach in Kano. He added that more than 2,300 free eye surgeries were performed in the state during a similar intervention in 2023.

Yusuf also recalled the case of conjoined twins from Kano who were taken to Saudi Arabia in 2023 for specialised surgery and spent two years receiving medical care before returning to the state.

He disclosed that arrangements were underway for the commencement of open-heart surgeries in Kano, stressing that the state government would continue to strengthen its healthcare partnership with Saudi Arabia.

According to the governor, the latest intervention demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in providing specialised medical services to residents who might otherwise be unable to afford such treatment.

“Our administration remains committed to improving healthcare infrastructure, recruiting medical personnel and expanding access to specialised medical and surgical services,” Yusuf said.

The governor also commended the management and staff of AKTH for their commitment to healthcare delivery and assured the hospital of continued government support.

He appreciated the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria and the Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Sheikh Khalil Ahmad, for their contributions to strengthening relations between Kano State and Saudi Arabia.

The team leader and renowned urologist, Dr Ali Ibn Mahfouz, said the visiting medical team comprised highly experienced specialists who successfully performed the required procedures.

He added that all the surgeries were completed without complications, describing the outcome as a reflection of the expertise of the Saudi specialists and the cooperation of medical personnel at AKTH.