By Chioma Obinna

EXCEPT there is divine intervention, 38 year- old Paul Bem may not be around to complete its diploma course in Marketing at the University of Jos. This is because cardiologists at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria have concluded that Paul needs urgent kidney transplant to replace his diseased kidneys.

Unfortunately, Paul who hails from Benue State cannot afford over N9 million required for the life-saving procedure.  Paul was hale and hearty until September last year when he began to experience short of breath.

A medical report from Jos University Teaching Hospital, and signed by a Consultant Physician/ Nephrologist, Dr. Gimba Zumnan Mark said Paul was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease secondary to Chronic Glomerulonephritis (CGN) and he is to immediately commence dialysis three times a week with addition of a erythropoietin injection for blood on weekly basis.

Paul is presently on thrice a week haemodialysis. According to Dr. Zamba, Paul could have a definitive form of treatment at a cost of between N9 million to N10 million to enable him survive and live a normal life.

In another medical report signed by Dr. M.  Amisu, a Consultant Nephrologist, at the Renal Dialysis Centre, Ikeja, Paul who was diagnosed with hypertension is currently on three times dialysis with medications to sustain his life and well being pending definitive treatment of his medical condition which is a kidney transplant.

Paul Bem undergoing dialysis

Paul who was combining his education and barbing salon before the ailment started says they cannot afford the required amount.

Narrating his ordeal, Paul who was brought to Vanguard’s Corporate head office by his brother, a Police officer with Area C Command, Surulere Lagos, was in tears.

“We live on the mercy of friends. Since September  2016 when Paul took ill, we have not known peace. Paul has been undergoing treatment from one hospital orn another and now is at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos where doctors have prescribed kidney transplant.

It all began one morning when he felt short of breath and was rushed to a private hospital where he was admitted and treated.

“Two weeks later, the same problem happened and I was eventually moved to the Jos Teaching Hospital where I was diagnosed of kidney disease.”

“Every week we spend over N100, 000 on dialysis. Each session costs N25, 000 excluding blood transfusion which is about N17, 000 plus N10, 000 for drugs.”

His brother, a Police officer, Mr. Fabian Tyotiev who appealed to Nigerians to come to their aid said: “he can speak with you today because we just did dialysis yesterday, in two days time without dialysis, he would not have the strength to talk to you.  It is that bad.  We have practically resorted to begging.”

Fabian called on the Benue State Governor,  Dr. Samuel Ortom, and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Akin Ambode to come to their rescue. “I am appealing to all Nigerians and corporate organisations to help my brother because right now, we don’t know how to take care of his next dialysis. Please don’t allow my brother to die,” Fabian pleaded.

If you are touched by Paul’s plight please send your donations to Account numbers: 2004115850, Fabian Tyotiev, Zenith Bank or Eco Bank account: 0011030639, Fabian Tyotiev, or Bem Paul, UBA Bank account: 2022509024. You can also call 08033614612, 09093608916.