Ear, Nose, and Throat Care in Nigeria: Vice President Shettima Advocates Improvements
Exodus of Medical Professionals: Nigeria's Supply of Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists Dwindles to Around 500
Brace yourself, folks! Vice President Kashim Shettima’s got his sights set on giving ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services in Nigeria a much-needed boost. And let me tell you, it's about damn time.
Shettima's calling for some serious and swift changes to Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, especially regarding ENT care. Why, you ask? Well, due to a sharp increase in hearing loss cases and the scarcity of specialized medical pros in the field, we're in dire straits.
Our trusted source reports that the Vice President spilled the tea during a recent meeting with the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Led by the big cheese himself, Professor Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, ORLSON was there to squawk about the pressing issues facing ENT care in Nigeria.
Lemme fill ya in on what Shettima had to say: the big wig claimed that Prez Bola Tinubu is hell-bent on tackling the key challenges in the ENT sector, including insufficient facilities, a dearth of gadgets, and an alarming number of medical brain drain cases.
He declared that, “A whole chunk of our population suffers from hearing issues, but due to social stigma, they keep quiet about it. The challenges you've highlighted are valid, and the government is determined to move beyond surface-level solutions.”
Shettima also admitted to the glaring shortage of ENT specialists in the country, stating that the number might not even reach 500 if nothing changes pronto.
He stressed that the government’s support wouldn't just involve buying fancy equipment but would focus on training, maintaining, and keeping medical professionals in the field happy and motivated.
"Procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would be pointless," he maintained.
Earlier, Prof. Kodiya had painted a bleak picture of the global and national situation regarding hearing loss, describing it as an impending public health crisis. He shared some scary stats, citing World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion folks worldwide will experience some degree of hearing loss, with 700 million needing rehabilitation.
Kodiya couldn't help but express his disappointment over the expiration of Nigeria’s National Policy and Strategic Plan for Ear and Hearing Care, launched in 2019, without full implementation. He saw this as a missed opportunity to develop a durable hearing health framework.
He vowed that ORLSON was down and ready to partner with the government, private sector, and international organizations to lessen the burden of hearing loss and enhance access to quality ENT services across Nigeria.
Godspeed, folks! Let's hope the government stays true to its word and turns this healthcare crisis around.
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- The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, advocates for advancements in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services in Nigeria, particularly focusing on ENT care.
- Shettima is concerned about the increase in hearing loss cases and the scarcity of ENT specialists in the country.
- He discussed the key challenges in the ENT sector during a meeting with the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
- Prez Bola Tinubu is determined to tackle the challenges in the ENT sector, including insufficient facilities, lack of equipment, and medical brain drain cases.
- Shettima acknowledged the glaring shortage of ENT specialists in Nigeria, with the number potentially not reaching 500 without immediate action.
- The government's support in the ENT sector will focus on training and motivating medical professionals, rather than just purchasing equipment.
- Shettima emphasized that procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would be pointless.
- Professor Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, the head of ORLSON, painted a bleak picture of the global and national situation regarding hearing loss.
- Kodiya shared some alarming statistics about hearing loss, including that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide could experience some degree of hearing loss.
- Kodiya expressed his disappointment over the expiration of Nigeria's National Policy and Strategic Plan for Ear and Hearing Care without full implementation.
- ORLSON is committed to partnering with the government, private sector, and international organizations to address hearing loss and enhance access to quality ENT services.
- The government's mission is to be more proactive in addressing health issues, focusing on preventive care and chronic conditions such as chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes.
- Nigeria's healthcare system also faces challenges in managing and treating other chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
- Tinubu's administration is targeting workplace-wellness, including mental health, eye health, and hearing, to ensure a healthier workforce.
- The government is also focusing on environmental science and considering the impact of climate change on health issues, such as increased cases of skin conditions and neurological disorders.
- Tinubu's government recognizes the importance of investing in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the production of medical equipment and devices.
- industries like energy, retail, aerospace, and small businesses are essential for fostering economic growth, job creation, and supporting diverse communities.
- Balancing personal finance, wealth management, and business careers can be challenging, but it's crucial for individuals to budget, save, manage debt, and invest wisely.
- The Nigerian government understands the role of technology in modernizing healthcare, economic growth, and improving the housing market.
- Fintech solutions can help individuals and businesses manage their finances, invest, and make informed decisions about banking, insurance, and the stock market.
- Vice President Shettima's advocacy for ENT healthcare services in Nigeria is part of his broader commitment to improving healthcare access, therapeutic interventions, and overall health and wellness for Naija.
- Shettima's development-focused approach extends to other sectors, including climate change, energy, manufacturing, retail, aerospace, and entrepreneurship.
- The government recognizes that diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering a healthy, vibrant, and innovative small-business environment.
- Promoting entrepreneurship can create opportunities for youth employment and economic development while also supporting innovation in sectors like technology, transportation, and leadership.
- Collaborating with international organizations will help Nigeria address pressing issues, such as the global mobile workforce, talent acquisition, and investment in the tech and startup sectors.
- The government is committed to ethical leadership, fostering a culture that values transparency, accountability, and positive social impact.
- Tinubu's administration is investing in critical infrastructure, including advanced tech and communication systems, to improve the delivery of healthcare services and other essential government functions.
- Nigeria's commitment to clean energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and protect the environment for future generations.
- The government's focus on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and innovation in sectors like energy will help drive sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
- By focusing on strategic planning, long-term calibration, and evidence-based policy decisions, Tinubu's government aims to foster a stronger, more prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria, addressing the needs of all citizens in areas like health, education, and economic development.
