By Imelda Osayande

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its contributions to the healthcare sector.

Obaseki made the commendation while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo Council, at UBTH in Benin.

He highlighted the president’s commitment to Nigerians’ well-being, citing the installation of a Radiotherapy Machine at the hospital as a clear demonstration of this dedication.

Obaseki noted that such a facility was previously unavailable in the South-South region but is now being installed under the President’s directive and supervision.

“We have been advocating for this. There is no radiotherapy machine in any government hospital in the South-South, except for one in a private hospital in Calabar.

“I have been advocating, and fortunately, this new minister and president deserve credit for making it happen.

“This government, under President Bola Tinubu, has provided more healthcare funding than any other in recent times,” he stated.

According to him, this admission is the honest truth and not a political statement.

“The health budget this year is massive across all hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and its agencies,” he pointed out.

He assured that the benefits of this increased funding would soon be evident, with UBTH already making use of the support.

Obaseki also pointed out that the hospital’s strategic location results in a high daily influx of patients, which places more strain on the available staff.

He advised that when choosing the next CMD, people should consider the candidates’ track records and past contributions to UBTH.

The next CMD, he stressed, should be someone capable of building on his achievements and further advancing the hospital’s growth.

Earlier, NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, commended Obaseki for initiatives that have placed UBTH on the global map, particularly its 50th-anniversary celebration.

Alenkhe also praised the strong relationship between the union and the hospital management, calling for its continuation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has launched the Standards and Guidelines for Establishing and Coordinating Organ/Tissue Transplantation Services in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in regulating and improving organ donation and transplantation practices in the country.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, on Thursday in Abuja, stated that the new framework underscored the government’s commitment to saving lives through ethical organ transplantation procedures.

Salako, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Jimoh Salaudeen, emphasised that organ transplantation was more than a medical procedure.

“It is a life-saving intervention that offers renewed hope to patients battling end-stage organ failure.

“For many individuals, organ transplantation is not just a treatment but a second chance at life.

“This document, validated on Nov. 13, 2024, sets the foundation for safe, ethical, and transparent organ and tissue transplantation services in Nigeria,” he said.

He further noted that the new guidelines were developed through extensive collaboration with healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organisations, and other key stakeholders.

“The guidelines address critical areas such as donor protection, transplant patient safety, ethical practices, and compliance mechanisms.

“The document is designed to build trust in Nigeria’s organ transplantation system by ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices,” he added.

Acknowledging the challenges facing organ transplantation in Nigeria, such as unethical organ harvesting and the need for informed consent, the minister stressed the importance of public awareness, infrastructural development, and strong regulatory enforcement.

“This is not just a policy; it is a commitment to life. However, for these guidelines to be effective, we must bridge gaps in public education, medical infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.

“That is why we are mobilising stakeholders including health professionals, policymakers, and civil society to foster a culture where organ donation is both understood and ethically managed,” he said.

Salako commended the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) and all stakeholders involved in developing the guidelines, urging them to work together to ensure effective implementation.

“This is a milestone in our mission to improve healthcare and save lives. But it is also the beginning of a new journey.

“Together, let us build a future where organ transplantation in Nigeria becomes a beacon of hope, not a source of fear,” he added.

The Chairman of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), Prof. Phillip Abiodun, described the launch of the new standards and guidelines as a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the regulatory framework, Abiodun noted that the document represented a firm commitment to ethical medical practices, safeguarding lives, and restoring public trust.

“For too long, organ transplantation in Nigeria has been plagued by irregularities, exploitation, and a lack of robust regulatory frameworks.

“Today, we take decisive steps toward changing the narrative and building a system that prioritises transparency, accountability, and equity,” he said.

Abiodun emphasised that the NTHISC, established under the National Health Act of 2014, was responsible for regulating tertiary healthcare facilities across the country.

He noted that ensuring ethical and internationally aligned organ transplantation services was one of its core responsibilities.

“The new guidelines cover key aspects of organ transplantation, including ethical considerations, informed consent requirements, donor protection mechanisms, and measures to prevent exploitation.

“These provisions align with global standards while considering Nigeria’s unique challenges,” he emphasised.

Abiodun highlighted key reforms for the next phase, which include: all healthcare institutions performing organ transplants must obtain certification to ensure only qualified facilities handle such delicate procedures.

“Strict oversight mechanisms will be established to ensure adherence to the guidelines, with legal consequences for non-compliance.

“The initiative has received backing from the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, with lawmakers pledging to strengthen regulations on organ transplantation.

“A national database will be created to track donations and transplants while maintaining transparency.

“Nigerians will be sensitised to the importance of organ donation and the safeguards in place to protect donors and recipients.”

He also stressed the need for cultural and religious reorientation regarding organ donation.

“Many myths have discouraged people from donating organs, but we must begin to see it differently.

“You can give life, sight, or health to another person even after your death. That is why we must encourage initiatives like including ‘organ donor’ status on driver’s licenses,” he said.

Abiodun called for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasising that non-compliance would not be tolerated.

“As the saying goes, ‘two hands make lifting easier.’ Our collective effort will ensure that organ transplantation in Nigeria is ethical, transparent, and accessible to those in need,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Rep. Abiola Makinde, reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to safeguarding Nigerians’ rights in organ transplantation through legislative support.

Makinde commended the initiative as timely and long overdue, particularly appreciating the emphasis on informed consent in organ transplantation.

“Informed consent is crucial, and I appreciate its emphasis here today. The protection of human rights will always be our priority,” he said.

He assured the Federal Ministry of Health of the House Committee’s commitment to collaboration, especially in addressing violations and human rights concerns related to organ transplantation.

Acknowledging the global challenge of organ trafficking, he pledged legislative support to combat such illicit activities.

“You can count on us in the House of Representatives to remain active partners in ensuring ethical organ transplantation practices.

“If there are necessary amendments to existing laws, we are ready to work with stakeholders to strengthen the legal framework,” he added.

He also thanked Abiodun for the invitation, noting that the House of Representatives would support any legislative efforts to regulate organ transplantation in Nigeria.

“We are willing to propose amendments where needed, ensuring appropriate legal consequences and penalties for violators.

“The House of Reps will not hesitate to present the bill before the House and work towards securing presidential assent,” he assured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by key stakeholders in the health sector, marking a significant step toward establishing ethical and standardised organ transplantation services in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Abiemwense Moru

By Justina Auta

The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Zipline International Nigeria Ltd. to deploy drone technology for the swift and efficient delivery of blood supplies across the country.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NBSA, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, on Wednesday in Abuja, described the initiative as a major advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Yuguda said: “The agency is fully committed to ensuring the success of this project. This partnership is a groundbreaking step toward improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“We are committed to ensuring its success because it is both a life-saver and a time-saver.”

Similarly, Akin Oyediran, Managing Director of Zipline Nigeria, reiterated the company’s commitment to tackling blood-related emergencies through cutting-edge technology.

Oyediran commended NBSA for embracing innovation, stating that the partnership aligned with Zipline’s mission to reduce preventable deaths caused by delays in blood supply.

“With this initiative, Nigeria joins a growing number of countries leveraging drone technology to strengthen healthcare delivery and emergency response systems,” he said.

The initiative, modelled after Rwanda’s successful drone-powered blood distribution system, is expected to enhance the collection, storage and timely distribution of blood, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

The use of drones is aimed at addressing delays that often lead to loss of lives due to blood shortages. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Amina Ahmed

Dr Fawaz Babandi, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi (ATBTH-TH), has advocated integration of mental health services in hospitals to check spate of domestic violence.

Babandi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.

He attributed the spate of alleged killings among family members in the state to subtle mental health issues.

The psychiatrist said that such individuals had a presence of mental illness that triggered violent attacks on family members and friends.

He listed the symptoms to include poor sleeping habits, body heat, loss of interest in interaction and prolonged headache, adding that the symptoms, if not attended, could manifest in violent attacks.

“We want the government to prioritise mental health by integrating it into all levels of health care.

“Mental health has been neglected for long which affects the violence we are witnessing currently in the society.

“Primary healthcare level is closest to the people but there are no mental health services there, health workers themselves are not trained to identify and treat mental health issues which is a major challenge,” he said.

He said the psychiatric department offered treatment to patients with depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder and substance abuse.

Babandi stressed the need for sensitisation activities to create awareness towards promoting mental wellbeing.

“Such individual should seek help because signs are there but it will only be realised when the person has committed an offense then they will recall some abnormal behaviours he exhibited.”

He also identified stigma as one of the causes of mental health issues, adding that, “mental health is everyone’s business because it might affect anyone at any time.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says eradication of malaria will boost social-economic development of the state.

The governor made the assertion in a keynote address at the state’s launch of Pathway to Malaria Pre-elimination Digitalisation Programme, on Tuesday in Lagos.

“Malaria is more than a socio-economic burden that has held back Lagos State. It has held back families and communities for a long time. It robs us of our productivity.

“It drains us of our household income, and for many households in Lagos, especially those who are low income earners, malaria reduces their earnings and their abilities to continue to earn more,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said it was imperative to tackle malaria in order to protect the vulnerable such as pregnant women and children under five years.

“Today, we have to change the narrative. Eradication of malaria is not just good health news, it is indeed imperative,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor urged regular tests for malaria,  urging the state residents to stop self-medication.

“This programme represents a hope based on innovation, collaboration and determination by leveraging digital tools to ensure that every malaria case is tracked in real time,” he said.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, applauded Lagos State for the initiative.

“I remember that during the administration of President Bola Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State, he kick-started a Lagos-free malaria project and other states followed suit.

“I want to applaud the excellent governor of the centre for excellence for not dropping the ball,” the minister said.

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, said it was important to be tested and get appropriate treatment when feeling unwell.

NAN reports that malaria tests was conducted on the governor and the minister at the event, and the results were negative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Ijeoma Popoola