The Heart Recovery Foundation (HRF) has urged the government to introduce a 30 per cent subsidy on heart surgeries to ease the financial burden on patients battling life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.
The organisation emphasised that thousands of Nigerians cannot afford critical heart procedures, and a government-backed subsidy could save countless lives by improving access to timely and affordable care.
Gilbert Kiaka Goodnews, from the foundation, made this call in Abuja yesterday during an awareness campaign to promote cardiovascular health and wellness among students at Government Secondary School, Tudunwada, Wuse, Abuja.
He said the initiative aims to raise awareness and provide early diagnosis of congenital heart defects in underprivileged Nigerian children, especially in schools.
According to him, the campaign was motivated by his personal experience of surviving a severe heart defect, thanks to a scholarship and surgery in India.
Gilbert said the foundation has identified over 50 children with heart defects and plans to reach 200 schools across Abuja.
“The prevalence of heart defects is widespread, and most of these children do not have access to medical diagnoses. That’s why we decided to engage students early to educate them and help them identify these issues when they are still young.
“Out of every 1,000 children born, about two may have a hole in the heart or a ventricular heart defect. This initiative is our starting point, and we hope to expand it further.
“Heart surgeries are very expensive. Most parents cannot afford them. If the government can subsidise even 30%, it would make a huge difference. This condition is not caused by lifestyle choices; it is a birth defect. It’s not the children’s fault, so the government must step in and support them, either through subsidies or by offering free surgeries.
Also speaking, Dr James Abalaka, director of funds in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, called on others to support the cause so that life can be more meaningful for those in need.
“The cost of heart treatment is enormous. If the government subsidises it, things will improve. Many people can’t even afford a diagnosis, let alone treatment. By God’s grace, if the government intervenes, countless lives could be saved,” he said.
