FG committed to expanding ENT healthcare access, tackling brain drain - Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services in Nigeria, pledging comprehensive support for training, equipment, and infrastructure development in the sector.
The Vice President made the declaration on Thursday evening while receiving a delegation from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON), led by its President, Prof. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing the delegation, VP Shettima acknowledged the growing burden of hearing loss across the country and underscored the urgent need to improve ENT care, including efforts to curb the ongoing brain drain among medical professionals.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “A huge chunk of our population suffers from hearing ailments, but due to social stigmatisation, many are reluctant to come forward for treatment. The challenges you are highlighting are real, and the government is committed to going beyond cosmetic interventions.”
Shettima acknowledged the critical shortage of ENT specialists nationwide, saying there may not be up to 500 ENT surgeons in this country if immediate action is not taken.
“That is the reality we face today. Even our young doctors are migrating to Europe and other regions, but we are working to create an enabling environment for them here.”
He emphasised that government support will not only focus on acquiring equipment but will also prioritise the training, welfare, and retention of medical professionals in the field.
“The problem goes beyond equipment. Procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would amount to nothing,” VP Shettima added, urging ORLSON to continue investing in the training of new specialists.
In recognition of his support for the sector, the Vice President was conferred with the honourary title of “Ambassador of the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria” by Prof. Kodiya.
