A consortium of stakeholders, comprising medical professionals, patients advocacy groups, and non-profit organisations, has appealed to influential philanthropists and the government to prioritise neurological healthcare in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the stakeholders assessed the critical state of Neurological Emergencies and Healthcare and called on renown philanthropists like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Chief Arthur Eze, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Theophilus Danjuma, Leo Stan Ekeh, Mike Adenuga, Jim Ovia, and others to assist.
Ms. Chika Okwuolisa, Founder of the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa also appealed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to facilitate crucial support for patients, emphasising the need for government intervention in allocating significant resources to neurological healthcare.
In her speech, she underscored the potential impact of philanthropy on alleviating the financial burden for individuals and families grappling with neurological conditions, preventing unnecessary loss of lives.
She outlined key areas requiring attention including, “Advocacy funding, pre-hospital care centres, an endowment fund, continuous training for healthcare staff, collaboration with non-profit organizations and conducive working conditions for healthcare professionals.”
Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Consultant Neurosurgeon and NMA-FCT Chapter Chairman, stressed the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, encompassing various medical disciplines, to improve overall well-being in the community.
Ugwuanyi emphasised the importance of addressing primary prevention, recognising challenges within the primary health system, and creating favourable working conditions to curb brain drain.
Dr Yusuf Shehu, CSO Representative, urged a proactive focus on pre-crash measures in road safety, targeting human behaviors like over-speeding and substance use, which could significantly reduce accidents and cases requiring neurosurgeon intervention.
“This collaborative effort seeks to enhance overall healthcare, ensuring timely and comprehensive treatment, and improve the quality of life for those affected by neurological conditions,” he said.
– NAN