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Euracare multi-specialist hospital hosts first Bariatric surgery masterclass in W/A

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Euracare, the leading multi-specialist hospital in Lagos, has hosted the first ever West African masterclass on minimally invasive bariatric surgery. This is a specialist procedure used to achieve weight loss to control Obesity and Diabetes. 

The symposium which held on the 17th and 18th of October 2019 at Euracare premises in Lagoswas aimed at demonstrating weight loss surgery techniques to bariatric surgeons across West Africa.

The initiative is in partnership with healthcare product manufacturing giant, Medtronic as part of a West African wide campaign to bring together other specialist in this new field for the main purpose of collaborations on issues like best clinic practice, training research, and capacity building.

The team of local medical specialists, led by Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Mr Abuchi Okaro, performed a live bariatric surgery witnessed by Six Specialist surgeons across West Arica and crafted interactive sessions covering bariatric surgery field. 

The masterclass kicked off with constructive and interactive sessions individually addressing the importance of a multidisciplinary team in the care of a bariatric patient, perioperative care pathway and challenges/opportunities in the practice.

Concluding the masterclass, the second day of the symposium specialists highlighted the importance of an accurate sleep analysis, and how to manage post-operative complications. 

According to Dr Abuchi Okaro, basic bariatric surgical knowledge is lacking in many African countries and there is an urgent need to bridge this gap.“Research has shown that obesity and diabetes mortality related cases in Africa is prevalent.

Bariatric surgery is a great way to address these issues, which is why I am passionate to transfer this knowledge. With this masterclass, we hope to make a meaningful, yet practical contribution to assist in reducing obesity related mortality rate among related patients in Nigeria and across Africa”, Dr Okaro said.

Also speaking on the masterclass, Medical Director, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr TosinMajekodunmi said, “This masterclass showcased our commitment to breaking boundaries in the medical industry and reinforces our stand as the leading multi-specialist Hospital in Nigeria.

By helping consultants learn the very latest techniques from the very best in the field, we are redefining the healthcare industry in Nigeria and Africa at large”.

Bariatric or weight loss surgery comprises a number of gastro-intestinal procedures such as the Lap gastric bypass, Lap sleeve gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). The procedures are performed through the minimally invasive (keyhole) route.

This has the main advantage of resulting in less pain, quicker return to drinking, walking and less scarring. The surgery is specifically most suited for those individuals who need to achieve an amount of weight reduction that diet and exercise only cannot provide.

The benefits of weight loss extend widely from positively affecting control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease to resolution of diabetes, and many others. 

Since its opening in 2017, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has serviced over 10,094 patients and completed 1,022 CT scans, 1,219 MRI scans, 108 cardiac procedures, 356 surgical procedures, 1,075 x-ray and 1,107 ultrasound. This masterclass buttresses Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital’s commitment in broadening the medical landscape and redefining standards of healthcare practice in Nigeria.

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Enhancement of Military Health Services: Matawalle Meets U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health

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Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle
Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle

In a significant move to bolster Defence Health Services and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Nigeria, the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, met with a U.S. delegation led by Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health.

A statement endorsed by Henshaw Ogubike, director of Information and PR at the Ministry, shows that the the meeting focused on enhancing the existing collaboration in defence health between the two nations, which has previously facilitated the establishment of high-tech laboratories in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister commended the U.S. for their efforts and urged for the expansion of these medical facilities beyond Abuja and Lagos to reach more derserved regions.

Dr. Matawalle emphasized the strategic integration of health services to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stating, “A healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel have access to top-tier healthcare services and facilities. To this end, he called for an increase in the defence budget allocated to health, viewing it as a vital investment in the nation’s future and stability.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that these initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader commitment to enhancing military readiness while addressing public health challenges that affect both service members and the civilian population. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to improving healthcare for military personnel and civilians, recognizing healthcare as a cornerstone of national security.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, stated that this initiative would positively impact military health and serve as a model for strengthening Nigeria’s overall healthcare system. “This collaboration marks a turning point for Nigeria’s defence health system,” he asserted.

Dr. Smith praised the Minister for his proactive approach to health readiness, underscoring the critical connection between health systems and military effectiveness. “Health is as crucial as any weapon system in ensuring military success, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defence health system,” he remarked.

The U.S. delegation is in Nigeria to further advance initiatives aimed at sustaining progress against HIV, accelerating efforts towards the United Nations’ 95-95-95 goals, and working towards the elimination of HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

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Neptune Prime publisher to unveil cancer clinic, school, foundation for late journalists’ families as son weds in Yobe

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publisher of Neptune Prime newspapers, Dr Hassan Gimba
Publisher of Neptune Prime newspapers, Dr Hassan Gimba

The publisher of Neptune Prime newspapers, Dr Hassan Gimba, has announced plans to commission three major projects in his home state, Yobe State

In an invitation letter sent to newsmen on Wednesday, the publisher disclosed that the event, which is scheduled to take place on August 31, is coinciding with the wedding Fatiha of his son, Barrister Suleiman Gimba.

According to the letter, the wedding Fatiha will take place by 11:00am at the residence of Mohammed Babate, Behind Water Board, Army Barracks, Potiskum.

“Immediately after the wedding Fatihah, we will be commissioning the Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School located at VIO Street, Unguwar Jaji, Potiskum.

“This institution is dedicated to the memory of my late mother, aiming to serve the educational needs of our community,” the letter noted.

Dr Gimba added that as part of the launch programme, the Abubakar Monja Lifeline Foundation for Late Journalists’ Families, which he founded to cater to the families of journalists who have passed away, will be empowering youths it trained in tailoring and plumbing.

“Additionally, I would like to invite you to inspect the ongoing construction of the Lami Fatima Babare Cancer Outreach and Clinic situated nearby, also in Unguwar Jaji.

“The clinic is an initiative of the Lami Fatima Babare Cervical Cancer Foundation, which was founded in 2020 – in memory of my late wife, Lami Fatima Babare – to provide medical services and referrals to cancer patients,” the letter noted.

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Enugu State Gov’t Moves to Revamp Oji River College of Health Technology,

…beefs up security

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Health Technology in Oji River

The Enugu State Government has announced its intention to revamp the existing infrastructural facilities to give the Enugu State College of Health Technology in Oji River a face-lift and also scale-up institution to a technology-savvy citadel of learning.

The government made this known during a meeting with the management, staff, and students of the institution at the Enugu State Government House at the weekend, stressing its commitment to ensuring quality health service delivery in the state.

The government, which made this known through the Special Adviser on Health Matters, Dr. Yomi Jaye, also asked the students of the institution to go back to school and continue with their academic calendar, as all those involved in the recent breach of security in the school’s neighborhood had been rounded up and now facing the law.

The governor equally gave the college management a two-week ultimatum  to develop a workplan, which the government would work on to ensure that the school functions at its optimum level.

Briefing Government House correspondents after the meeting, Dr. Jaye said, “We interacted with the management, staff and students of the Enugu State College of Health Technology, Orji River, to come up with a strategic plan to revamp the college and restore its lost glory.

His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, has expressed his willingness not only to revamp the school, but to upscale it to a technology-savvy teaching community.

“As you can see, the government is bullish about building Type-2 Healthcare Centre in each of the 260 wards and this college will produce some of the qualified workers that will deliver quality healthcare services to Ndi Enugu.

“We appeal to the parents and guardians to allow the students to go back to school and resume their academic activities as more security personnel have been deployed to make sure that both Oji River and its neighbouring communities are properly secured.

“It is also important to inform you that those who perpetrated the security breach have since been arrested and the victims, which included one student, also freed,” he maintained.

Also speaking, the Provost of the College, Dr. Lazarus Ezugwu, expressed his happiness over the state government’s move to revamp the institution, saying he was optimistic that the glory of the institution would be restored in no distant time.

When commending Governor Peter Mbah and the security agencies for their swift response to the recent security breach at the College, he also confirmed that security had been strengthened around the institution and Oji River in general.

“The meeting is such a commendable one. It goes a long way in telling us the type of visionary leader we have in the state. To be sincere, the total overhaul that will be done in the college is going to be enormous. What is coming to the college cannot be imagined because the governor has shown both special interest and political will. This is what we have been yearning for, for so many years,” Dr. Ezugwu stated.

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