FG pledges enabling environment for practice, growth of neurosurgery

 

THE Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to provide an enabling environment for the practice and growth of neurosurgery in Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari made the assertion at the 3rd Workshop of the Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS), in Abuja on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, quotes the President as saying that government is in support of the renewed focus on the specialised area.

Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, commended the West African College of Surgeons, National Post Graduate College of Surgeons and Medical Colleges in the country for the renewed focus.

He said Nigeria has developed the new National Strategic Health Development Plan II which is a robust five-year roadmap for the health sector.

The President said the plan was geared towards the realisation of the goal of increasing access, improving health outcomes and achieving universal health coverage.

ALSO READ: Police parade Obiano impersonator, other armed robbery suspect in Anambra

Buhari said government had paid considerable attention to the five strategic pillars for NSHDP II with focus on five priorities.

According to him, the five priorities include provision of the enabling environment for the attainment of sector outcome; increase in the utilisation of essential package of health care services and the protection of health emergencies and risk, among others.

He appealed to Nigerian Neurosurgeons in diaspora to join their counterparts in the country as well as the government towards national development.

Buhari commended development partners, CSOs, NGOs and the private sector for their continuous support to the country.

He added that his administration would remain accountable for every support made to improve the health and the well being of the citizens.

The President of the association, Prof. Abderrahmane Sa’id, said neurosurgeons from all parts of the continent were committed to working together to meet the needs of neurosurgery in the region.

“In recent years, we are particularly pleased to see the dynamism, willingness and enthusiasm of young African doctors for neurosurgery within CAANS,’’ he said.