During a tour of federal hospitals in Kaduna, the National Ear Care Centre was one of the new medical facilities that Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, opened. A 200-seat theater, School of Post-Basic ORL, ENT Specialty Clinic, contemporary theater complex, molecular lab, nursing home, oxygen plants, and new powerhouse are among the recently commissioned projects. The improvements are intended to raise the standard of the centre’s training programs, medical services, and overall healthcare provision.
Distinguished individuals including Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Emir of Zazzau, and Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, were present at the conference. Additionally, in keeping with the ministry’s goal to enhance Security and health outcomes, Dr. Alausa launched the National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) in Abuja. Nigeria is rated 18th in the world for deaths caused by antibiotic resistance (AMR), which is emphasized as a serious worldwide problem. 2019 saw more deaths from AMR-related causes than from any other major health issue, with 263,400 deaths linked to the disease and 64,500 deaths directly caused by it, according to the ministry.
Healthcare services should become more accessible at the ear care centre.
Specializing on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of illnesses affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), the National Ear Care Centre is situated in Kaduna, Nigeria. It was founded to address the growing number of instances of otorhinolaryngology and related diseases, including hearing loss. It is an important source of specialist healthcare services, research, and training for medical professionals. The National Ear Care Centre’s healthcare services should become more accessible and of higher quality as a result of the installation of these facilities.
Improved precision of medical procedures, shorter wait times for diagnosis and treatment, and a more comfortable environment for both patients and healthcare personnel are all expected outcomes of the expanded surgical capacity and specialty clinics. The lack of specialist medical Education will be filled in part by training facilities such as the School of Post-Basic ORL, guaranteeing a consistent supply of qualified workers. Modern facilities have a significant impact on job satisfaction, professional performance, and the quality of patient care; nevertheless, exact statements would require direct interviews with medical personnel.
National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship to reduce antibiotic abuse.
Furthermore, the general consensus among nurses and physicians is that having state-of-the-art equipment and well-organized facilities improves their Productivity and morale. Shorter wait times, more precise diagnosis, and a higher calibre of service benefit patients, which frequently translates into improved health and lower medical expenses. The goal of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is to put policies and plans into place that will reduce antibiotic abuse in the community, in agriculture, and in the hospital system.
To prevent overuse and misuse of antibiotics, key steps include developing protocols for their appropriate prescription and use, keeping an eye out for trends in antibiotic resistance to inform Public Health decisions and modify strategies accordingly, educating the public about the risks associated with self-medication and the significance of finishing prescribed antibiotic courses, and improving the abilities of healthcare professionals to diagnose infections accurately and responsibly prescribe antibiotics. In addition to following doctor’s orders, refraining from self-medication, maintaining proper hygiene, and endorsing Legislation targeted at lowering antimicrobial resistance, the general public can help.
Related Article: Nigeria Launches National AMR Strategy
Nigeria is ranked 18th in the world in terms of AMR-related mortality, with 263,400 associated deaths and 64,500 directly connected deaths, according to a 2019 global assessment. In contrast, AMR is linked to millions of cases each year in China and India, primarily as a result of excessive antibiotic usage and insufficient infection control measures. The global dimension of this public health concern is shown by the fact that AMR causes roughly 35,000 deaths annually in the United States, where it also poses considerable challenges. With Nigeria leading the way with its AMS taskforce, these figures highlight the urgent need for concerted international measures to tackle AMR.