Hospital removes 5 kilogramme tumour from patient

The National Hospital, Abuja, has successfully removed a five kilogramme tumour on Malam Maliki Magaji’s face.

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The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Olusegun Ajiswon told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the tumour was removed through a surgical operation last Monday.

``When Magaji came in with the tumour and he was given the bill of N1 million, he said he could not afford it, then with his permission, we appealed to the public to come to his aid.

``I must tell you I am so overwhelmed by the response of the public. This is the first time National Hospital will record such a gesture.

``About two years ago, we formed an Association of Friends of the National Hospital, which is like a safety net for poor patients who come to access the hospital facility but can not afford it,’’ Ajuwon said.

`Before now, the response had not been too encouraging, but on this issue, the response was very overwhelming. The sight of the mass on his face was pathetic.

``They got the required amount that was meant for the laboratory test, surgery and the hospital stay,’’ Ajuwon said.

He described the tumour on Magaji’s face as the weight of two babies, adding that it has been sent for examination to determine if it is benign or malignant.

``If the tumour is benign, then the patient could go home in about two weeks after the surgery had healed, but if it is malignant then we spread and treat it,’’ Ajuwon said.

The patient has since been moved from the intensive care unit to the main ward of the hospital.