FG moves to strengthen brain healthcare amid shortage of neurosurgeons

…Experts say Nigeria has 169 neurosurgeons for over 230 million people

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen brain healthcare in Nigeria with the establishment of a Brain Health Desk and the development of the country’s first National Brain Health Agenda.

The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare marked Nigeria’s first official commemoration of World Brain Day.

At the event, experts expressed concern over the country’s neurological healthcare capacity, noting that only 169 neurosurgeons are available to serve a population of more than 230 million.

Founder and Executive Director of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Chika Okwuolisa, said the shortage of specialists has limited access to care for patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumours, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

She also attributed the challenge to the migration of healthcare professionals and inadequate medical infrastructure, noting that many health facilities lack essential diagnostic equipment, including CT scanners.

According to her, the shortage of specialists and equipment has made it difficult for many patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

Okwuolisa, however, commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for hosting Nigeria’s maiden official World Brain Day celebration, describing it as a significant step toward prioritising brain health.

She explained that World Brain Day, observed annually by the World Federation of Neurology in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is aimed at raising awareness about brain health and promoting equitable access to neurological care.

She noted that this year’s theme, “Brain Health: Access for All,” highlights the need to ensure that quality neurological services are accessible to everyone, regardless of location or economic status.

Okwuolisa urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by increasing investment in neurological healthcare, expanding specialist training, procuring modern diagnostic equipment and strengthening health facilities nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, announced the approval of a Brain Health Desk under the National Mental Health Programme to coordinate the prevention and management of neurological disorders across the country.

She also disclosed that the ministry would develop Nigeria’s first National Brain Health Agenda to provide a strategic framework for policy formulation, research, investment, workforce development and improved service delivery in brain healthcare.

According to Kachollom, the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the growing burden of neurological disorders and improve access to quality brain health services nationwide.

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