The Nation Newspaper

Tag: health services

  • Researchers to use satellite for health services in Lagos, Oyo slums

    In the search for solutions to the deplorable health conditions in Nigeria’s urban slums, over 24 researchers and 15 urban slum dwellers are set to use satellite image (open street maps) to digitise and analyse access to health facilities in some urban slums in Lagos and Oyo states.

    Nigeria’s lead investigator of the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Improving Health in Slums, Prof Akinyinka Omigbodun, broke the news yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the training of graduate students and slum dwellers on mapping health services in urban slums in Lagos (Bariga) and Oyo (Sasha and Idi-Ikan) states.

    The training was anchored by Dr Olakekan Taiwo.

    According to him, the multi-country study is aimed at improving health service delivery in selected communities in low and middle income countries.

    The research is intended to, among other objectives, assess the health care services available to urban slum dwellers and the accessibility of such services.

    The health challenges facing them become important in the face of growing urban slums and associated health service delivery constraints in Nigeria.

    Taiwo said researchers were conducting similar studies in Kenya, Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of the global NIHR project.

    Omigbodun noted that rapid urbanisation was displacing many people in Nigeria into urban slums.

    The expert noted that ailments and diseases, which were previously associated with rural settings, had begun to manifest with greater frequency in urban centres as an emerging global health concern.

  • Doctors stage exhibition on information, personnel in health services

    The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and the Guild of Medical Directors are holding an exhibition and conference to showcase  what is happening in the Nigerian health sector.

    The exhibition which will take place next Monday and end the following day, has its theme, “All things medical (ATM)’’.

    A renowned neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Director of the first private neurosurgical centre in Nigeria, Memphys, Prof Sam Ohaegbulam, said the exhibition was timely as information and statistics about what is available in Nigeria is the bedrock of a viable and functional healthcare system.

    “People keep asking, where can we do this or that in Nigeria? Or who can do this procedure or that operation in Nigeria? Then, they say, we did not know that this was available in Nigeria!’

    Unfortunately, he said, there were huge risks for the unwary in medical care in Nigeria as many people end up patronising dangerous establishments and charlatans simply because they have no clear knowledge of where the real doctors are.

    Citing an example, Ohaegbulem revealed that the Ogun State government had closed three hospitals in Ifo local government area after two pregnant women died which made the government to accuse the hospitals of lacking the competence to treat patients.

    According to the neurosurgeon, “there is the issue with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places, such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for treatment. They “pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect, running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in Sokoto.”

    Also the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about high quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.

    “We need positive documentation of the good practices and an end to the bad practices. We have to help our health centres, government hospitals or even private hospitals to be the best they can be.

    He added that Nigeria needs a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that is effective so that all citizens can receive reasonable health care.

    Otabor stressed that with an effective national health Insurance, more revenue would be available to healthcare and hospitals would be better equipped to provide modern services.

    “Once we put our house, the need for medical missions, medical tourism, etc, would consequently diminish. Government has to harmonise the nation’s health sector by improving on facilities for research and training, and increased capacity to take care of all the emergencies and the challenges that we have in the country. From here the nation could further expand and upgrade to other areas.

    “Say stop to medical tourism. Join us to stop losing huge resources that is better applied to help our own development. We must encourage the development of our own local health care industry and the first step is ATM. Thereafter, we must put an end to medical tourism. Government should not sponsor anybody to go and get treatment abroad unless, of course, that treatment is what we cannot offer, “he added.

    A neurosurgeon with Spine Fixed in Abuja, Dr Biodun Ogungbo,  identified many specialist hospitals which provide specialist care in Nigeria.

    For instance, he said, “here in Abuja, there are a few hospitals you should know about. Zenith Kidney Centre does just that: looks after your kidneys and performs dialysis/kidney transplants as you may require. Kelina Hospital in Gwarinpa is a foremost urology centre in Abuja with state of the art. Similarly, Chivar Hospital is also well equipped with highly trained personnel and equipment for your prostate troubles’’.

    According to him, people who have infertility issues can be rest assured at Nordica Fertility clinic and Bridge Clinic who have helped thousands of women complete their families.

    “Specialist gynaecological centres such as Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, Southshore Womens’ Clinic in Lagos and King’s Care Hospital in Abuja provide great care and sort out women’s troubles. Eye problems are the focus of Eye Foundation and Florida Eye Clinic. You see?”

  • Free health services for women, elderly

    A group, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), has vowed to improve on its free health services for indigent women and children.

    It said last year, no fewer than 60,032 persons benefitted, while 10,609 were socially integrated.

    Its Executive Director, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, said the health services included free testing for blood pressure, blood sugar, HIV, Hepatitis and malaria, adding that those with serious ailments were referred to health centres and hospitals.

    She spoke during a programme to mark the International Women’s Day with the theme: Pledge for parity, planet 50-50 by 2030, step it up for Gender Equality. LAPO’s sub-theme was: Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women.

    At the event were market associations, artisans, teachers, religious groups, transport groups, civil societies, as well as students.

    Two beneficiaries, Mrs Dolapo Kareem and Mrs Agnes Olowoye, said the free health tests helped them detect ailments early.

    Represented by LAPO’s Regional Manager, Lagos Vivian Evbotokhai, Idowu-Osehobo said women need to be empowered.

  • Traditional medicine has reduced cost of health services, says expert

    Traditional medicine has reduced cost of health services, says expert

    •Group’s leaders sworn in

    The cost of health services has been reduced, with the approval granted traditional medicine practitioners almost 10 years ago, an expert, Dr Idowu Ogunkoya has said.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) in Lagos, Ogunkoya said traditional medicine’s importance could not be over-emphasised.

    Ogunkoya, who chaired the group’s electoral committee, described it as a non-partisan body.

    He said: “It is not owned by any ethnic group or group of individuals. Members of the executive  will hold office for a tenure of four years only and relinquish their office to another democratically elected executive. A Board of Trustees is appointed to hold office for one single term of five years and a new board is appointed as NANTMP constitution requires.”

    Ogunkoya said:“The importance of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. It is a holistic health providing sector,  creating jobs, supporting agriculture and its derivatives in its own capacity; traditional medicine reduces cost of health provision and related services in a country that recognises and legalises it, such as Nigeria.

    Mr Andrew Akarachi Anyanwu emerged  national president with 42 votes, against Usman Ibrahim, Sunday Gbakanlado and Dada Nakowa scored zero vote, Ibrahim Jawa eight votes, Muhammed Salih Damansani 16 votes, and Baba Ejiga, 38 votes. Shaba Mekudi Sani is the deputy president; vice-president 1 (South-west) Samuel O. Banjo, vice president 2, (South east) Cyril Okwudili Umezele, vice-president 3 (South-south) Igene Mutairu, vice president 4 (North-west) Halihu Ashiru Maikada, vice president 5 (North-central) Muhammed Baba Beji.

    Prof Dayo Oyebanjo Oyekole as secretary general, assistant secretary Adeagbo Kamorudeen Kunle, treasurer, Franca Nkem Mordi,  assistant secretary,  Hakeem Atanda and Ikechukwu John,  public relations officer (PRO).

    The election was held last December 15 at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja. Three delegates were chosen from each state of the federation including Federal capital territory (FCT).  108 delegates were accredited. Candidates were allowed to campaign and defend their manifesto for two minutes. The voting started at 1pm. Unopposed candidates took the floor to tell the delegates about their qualities and how they will move the association forward. They said  being unopposed candidate showed that they would deliver.

    John Okeke polled 30 votes. Regina Ikenwilo, 34 votes and Cyril Okwudili, 38 votes to emerged Vice President Southeast. Vice President, North West- Saad Isa Ahmed, 35 votes, Ashiru Makaida 70 votes; Secretary General- Elder Jacobs, 36 votes, Dayo Oyekole 61 votes. National Treasurer- John Bubba, 47 votes,  Franca Nkem Mordi 57 votes. Deputy President- David Akan 12 votes, Lateef Adeyeye 16 votes, Shaba Mekudi Sani 75.

    Ogunkoya said supplementary election would be conducted for Vice President, Northeast and Auditor- General.

  • NYSC members provide health services

    NYSC members provide health services

    Residents of Ohafia Local Government Council, in the northern part of Abia State, will never forget the day doctors, pharmacists and others in the medical team of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) launched a health service programme in their community.

    The outreach was under the Corps’ Health Rural Dwellers (HIRD).

    Before the event, the community leaders in Ebem Ohafia directed town criers to inform the community residents of the event.

    That informed the huge turnout of rural dwellers at the event, which the residents said was the first of its kind in the community.

    The programme which is targeted at improving the health profile of rural people through the services of volunteer corps members in the medical field.

    The team diagnoses, treats and where appropriate, refers cases for further and extensive examination.

    Speaking at the flagging of the health initiative of the NYSC at the Ohafia council headquarters, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, said that the one week health outreach took place simultaneously in selected rural communities across the country.

    The NYSC Director-General, who spoke through Abia State Corps Coordinator, Mr Adewoya Omotayo, said that Ebem community was among the communities where the corps had designated to address the health challenges of the people in that part of the state.

    Gen. Olawumi explained that the volunteer corps medical personnel who form the heart of the team will work as health intervention agents in driving the wheel of the health initiative of the corps, stressing that it is part of the way they are saying thank you to the communities in the states where they operate.

    He said that the health programme will enhance the general well being of rural dwellers across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and commended the various stakeholders and partners towards making the NYSC-HIRD health week a reality.

    The national boss of the NYSC also thanked the government and people of Abia state as well as Ebem community for opening their doors to receive the program and for mobilizing their people, especially, the poorest of the poor among them to enable them benefit from the

    initiative which he emphasised was free of charge.

    Gen Olawumi appreciated the support the program has received from local and foreign donors in terms of materials like drugs and medical equipments and urged the people of Ebem community to take full advantage of the health initiative program to attend to all their health.

    He praised the Brigadier Commander of 14 Brigade Nigeria Army, Ohafia for being part of the sponsorship of the program, saying, “NYSC shall be happy and motivated when we look back and watch the mustard seed being sown today blossom into an enduring and sustainable entity for the benefit of all in this community and its environs”.

    Earlier the president Medical and health Community Development Service (CDS) group, Dr Agugua Anthony Jnr expressed delight that they have been able to carry out the health outreach program with the help of kind spirited individuals and organisations in Abia state.

    Dr Anthony thanked the NYSC DG for the concept which has enabled them to reach the unreachable, stressing that they are very proud to exhibit their profession to the rural dwellers in that part of the state without any strings attached.

    Abia State Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, represented by the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Uzuegbu Mike Chimezie described the concept as a wonderful idea, which should not be allowed to die.

    Chimezie said that all hands should be put on deck to make the program to outlive the initiators, stressing that the health for all is one of the pillars of the present government in Abia state and thanked them for keying into one of the cardinal developmental plans of the state

    government.

    In his reaction to the health program of the state NYSC, the transition Committee Chairman (TC) of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon Ekea Udensi pledged his council’s readiness to compliment the efforts of the corps members in ensuring that the program is not abandoned midway.

    Udensi assured that the council would continue to assist them in serving their father land and provide services to rural dwellers in any way the council can and urged them not to hesitate to come to the council for help when the need arises.

    Before the event started the state coordinator paid a courtesy call on the T.C Chairman, and enumerated the benefits of the program, just as the Chairman pledged total support to the idea and NYSC as a body.

    Highlight of the program include health talk on breast cancer and diabetes delivered by corps doctors and supported by Health department of Ohafia Local Government Council.

    Thereafter, people with diverse ailments and diseases were attended to, as some of the tests carried out include eye tests, sugar level tests, high blood pressure tests and others, while severe cases were referred to the necessary specialists’ hospitals for further

    attention.

    Dignitaries that attended the ceremony include the Commander, 14Brigade Nigerian army, represented by Col. O. O. Diya, Mrs Nellly Onwuka, the Deputy Chairman of Ohafia LGA Council, Hon Dike Ndukwe, the Leader of the Legislative Council, among others.

     

  • Free health services for Bakassi residents

    Free health services for Bakassi residents

    Over 1,000 residents of Bakassi Local Government Area in Cross River were beneficiaries free healthcare services of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).

    The president of NAS, Mr Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, said that the free healthcare services were part of the association’s humanitarian service to the people.

    “We are doing this project to help ameliorate the health challenges of those who cannot afford better healthcare services, due to financial problems.

    “We are rendering free healthcare services to pregnant women, those with dental problems, HIV/AIDS counselling, free distribution of insecticide mosquito nets and free drugs to members of the community with peculiar problems.

    “This healthcare services we are rendering today, costs the association N20million, we are happy because it is a humanitarian service to the people,” he said.

    Dr Kenneth Okoro, Head of Medical Services of NAS, said that the association carries out free medical services every year in remote areas that have no access to better healthcare service.

    Okoro expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of residents in the community, adding that their medical mission was to help in ameliorating the health challenges of the people.

    “We have identified that Malaria in Bakassi Local Government Area is very prevalent due to the rivers around, and children are the most affected, and we will de-worm them accordingly.

    “Malnutrition is also a challenge here, we are here with our full medical team to do our best,” he said.

    According to him, most of the residents do not undergo medical test as of when due, adding that there should always check their blood sugar level, cholesterol and HIV status every three months.

    “The eyeglasses we brought for those with sight problems were donated to us by our branch in Japan, and our eye care doctors are attending to them accordingly.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Eteng Okon, who received free eyeglasses for his sight problem, said that he was impressed with the free health care services provided by NAS.

    Okon said that there were few health centres in the community, adding that most residents could not afford the cost of health services because majority of them were farmers.

    He thanked NAS for the humanitarian service, saying that it would go a long way in improving the health condition of the people.