The International College of Surgeons (ICS), in collaboration with its Nigeria Section, on Monday commenced a two-day free surgical outreach for indigent and vulnerable Nigerians in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach is part of activities marking the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGM-SC) taking place from June 23 to 27.
The conference is themed “Surgical Safety in a Developing Economy: The Role of Technology and Healthcare Innovations”, with sub-themes focusing on healthcare financing models, public-private partnerships, and strategic tools for optimising surgical safety.
Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, said the pre-conference surgical workshop was targeting at least 20 patients with complex medical conditions.“These are surgeries many of them cannot afford.
We’re taking on complicated cases involving anesthesia and advanced procedures.“We want to demonstrate that ICS has the capacity to support the less privileged with life-changing interventions,” he explained.
“Dr Mandus Akonjom, Senior Consultant and Chairman of the Surgical Outreach Committee, said the college’s mission was to reach underserved populations, hence the choice of Nigeria for the conference.
“We’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, plastic surgeons, gynecologists, ENT specialists, and ophthalmologists.
“Surgeries will range from brain and bone operations to eye and ENT procedures, all requiring high levels of expertise and a well-equipped environment,” he said.
Dr Uzowulu Rosemary, Specialist Anaesthesiologist, cautioned against medical tourism, noting that Nigerian doctors, even abroad, delivered world-class care due to rigorous training.
She called on Nigerians to trust local professionals and urged the government to increase investment in the health sector to stem brain drain.“It’s not the wish of doctors to leave Nigeria.
Many work tirelessly abroad under better conditions, while back home they are underpaid or owed salaries. That must change.
”NAN also reports that among the complex cases being handled is hydrocephalus in four- and seven-month-old babies, a condition involving fluid buildup in the brain, which can delay development.
The children will undergo VP shunt procedures as part of the outreach.
