The Federal Government is actively working to improve ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services nationwide, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared.
During a meeting with the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, he reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to tackle pressing challenges in the sector.
Specifically, he emphasized the need for better infrastructure and more specialists to address rising hearing loss cases.
Furthermore, VP Shettima acknowledged the social stigma preventing many Nigerians from seeking treatment for hearing ailments.
He assured ORLSON that the government would implement long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
He emphasized that the challenges you mentioned are significant.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to implementing deeper, more effective solutions.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the shortage of ENT surgeons, estimating fewer than 500 nationwide.
To combat medical brain drain, the Vice President outlined plans to enhance training, welfare, and retention programs for healthcare workers.
He emphasized that procuring equipment without skilled personnel proves to be ineffective in achieving desired outcomes.
Consequently, this approach can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.
He also urged ORLSON to continue training new specialists while promising government support for infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, ORLSON President Prof. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya presented alarming statistics, citing WHO predictions that 2.5 billion people globally may face hearing loss by 2050.
Moreover, Prof. Kodiya lamented the expiration of Nigeria’s National Policy on Ear and Hearing Care without full implementation.
Despite this, he pledged ORLSON’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to improve ENT services.
In appreciation of VP Shettima’s efforts, the society honored him as an “Ambassador of ORLSON.”
Ultimately, the government’s renewed focus on ENT healthcare marks a crucial step toward bridging gaps in Nigeria’s medical sector.
By prioritizing training, infrastructure, and workforce retention, the administration aims to ensure better access to quality healthcare.
With sustained collaboration, Nigeria can significantly reduce the burden of hearing loss and related challenges in the coming years.