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FG strategies on preventable medication

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FG strategies on preventable medication

FG strategies on preventable medication

The Federal Government said that strategies had been put in place for the reduction of severe preventable medication-related harm by 50 per cent in the next five years.

Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, said this in Abuja on Monday at a news conference to commemorate the 2022 World Patient Safety Day.

Ehanire, represented by Mrs Adebimpe Adebiyi, Director of Hospital Services, Ministry of Health, said the day was marked annually on Sept. 17.

“Every one of us at some points have used medicines for treatment of illnesses.

“The benefits of drugs and medications cannot be over emphasised. However, medications can sometimes cause serious harm if not used correctly either as a result of miscommunication between the patient and healthcare giver.

“Other issues are error in prescriptions, poor monitoring of patient on medication, misuse of antibiotics which can result in antimicrobial resistance, confusion in dispensing look alike and sound alike drugs,’’ he said.

Ehanire said that the reduction would be by making improvements at each stage of the medication process, including prescribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring and use.

According to him, underreporting of medication errors is also an issue.

“A study conducted by Ogunleye et al on medication errors amongst health care professionals in 10 tertiary hospitals across the country shows 35.5 per cent of 2386 professionals that participated in this study reported medication error.

“While 33.4 per cent did not think reporting was necessary,’’ he said.

Ehanire said that the high incidence of major medication errors related to prescription of incorrect antiretroviral therapy (ART), protocols, potential drug-drug interaction in Nigeria’s HIV treatment Programme have been reported in the past.

He said that the incidence of medication errors was somewhat high; and majority of identified errors were related to prescription of incorrect ART regimens and potential drug-drug interactions.

He said the prescriber was contacted and the errors were resolved in majority of cases.

“ Active screening for medication errors is feasible in resource-limited settings following adequate capacity building,’’ he said.

Ehanire said that errors were not limited to medical or surgical services alone, some errors had also been recorded in some laboratories.

He said that Nigeria was already working to develop its National Policy and Strategy on Patient Safety and Quality of care.

The minister says “We are hoping it will be completed and launched this year so that it can be deployed for use in all our health facilities at all levels of care.”

He said the policy focused on improving medication safety, surgical safety, and safety of all medical procedures among others.

“Sensitisation and capacity are ongoing in our Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in the form of training on medication safety, infection prevention control, and other aspects of patient safety,’’ Ehanire said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo said medication errors occurred most commonly due to weaknesses in medication systems, and are aggravated by shortages of well-trained health staff.

Mulombo said that other issues were poor working and environmental conditions for delivery of quality health care.

Represented by WHO Deputy Country Representative, Dr Alex Chimbaru, he said patients’ rights to medication without prejudice could be compromised through inappropriate prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring practices.

“Global estimates show that medication errors contribute to over three million deaths every year, a situation which has been exacerbated by overwhelmed health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“ About one in every four cases of preventable medication harm is clinically severe, or life-threatening.

“While there is limited data for the African continent, it is generally acknowledged that there is a high magnitude of unsafe medication practices.

“Among low and middle-income countries, the African Region has the highest prevalence of substandard and counterfeit medicines 18.7 per cent,’’ he said.

Mulombo said that weak medication systems and human factors were the major contributory factors to unsafe practices, with many countries lacking the capacity to detect, evaluate and prevent medicine safety issues.

He said other contributory factors included fatigue, inadequate knowledge and training, staff shortages, workplace distractions, and high workload and limited resources.

Mulombo said that Nigeria had consistently updated the Essential Medicine Lists and currently work was ongoing on the integration of WHO Aware Classification of antibiotics.

He said the National Drug Policy 2005 was revised in 2021. The policy contained policy direction prescription and dispensing of medicines and pharmacovigilance.

“To take the policy directive further, the country needed to develop at least a guideline on prescription and dispensing of medicines and medical products.

He said this would support safety and audit of the professional practice.

He said WHO partnered with NAFDAC to conduct a Country Insight Studies on Substandard and Falsified (SF) medical products which was a prioritised activity of the WHO Member State Mechanism.

Mulombo said it was aimed at strengthening the SF risk communications via valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors towards accessing medicines.

FG strategies on preventable medication

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UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

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UMTH ICT Centre

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The establishment of the UMTH ICT Centre marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s distinguished career in hospital management. This center exemplifies his commitment to integrating modern technology within healthcare systems to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. This professor of interventional radiology has added to his thinking cap a digital innovation. The UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal resource for streamlining hospital processes, improving data management, and supporting clinical decision-making, thereby reinforcing Professor Ahidjo’s reputation for forward-thinking leadership.

Professor Ahidjo’s successful records in hospital administration are characterized by his ability to implement sustainable strategies that optimize resource allocation and promote technological advancement. The inauguration of the UMTH ICT Center further consolidates these achievements by providing healthcare professionals with robust tools for managing information systems effectively. This initiative aligns with contemporary trends emphasizing digitization in healthcare institutions, reflecting an understanding of the critical role that information communication technology plays in modern medical environments.

The UMTH ICT Centre stands as another testament to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s exemplary contributions to hospital management. His visionary approach not only advances institutional capabilities but also sets a benchmark for integrating ICT solutions within healthcare frameworks, ultimately enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes. His efforts not only exemplify a commitment to excellence but also inspire future leaders in the healthcare sector to embrace technological advancements as a means of driving positive change. His legacy in healthcare management continues to inspire innovation and excellence, ensuring that the UMTH remains at the forefront of medical technology integration. 

Through his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, Professor Ahidjo has ensured that the UMTH continues to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery in the digital age. His leadership exemplifies the transformative impact of integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems, ensuring that UMTH not only meets current demands but is also well-prepared for future challenges. His strategic foresight in leveraging ICT not only enhances operational efficiencies but also significantly contributes to the overall improvement of patient care quality and safety. His commitment to integrating ICT solutions is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about setting a new standard for excellence in healthcare management.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/unmasking-prof-dilli-dogo-new-vc-of-nile-university/

Although this does not come easily, the establishment of the ICT Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo has played a crucial role in enhancing both internal and external communication systems, managing hardware and software infrastructure, and supporting health management information systems. Prof. Ahidjo’s stewardship has been instrumental in expanding this department to include 17 dedicated staff members who ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of ICT services.

This development is not merely administrative but transformative, as it facilitates efficient healthcare delivery through improved data management and connectivity. The integration of advanced ICT tools under Prof. Ahidjo’s guidance underscores his visionary approach to modernizing UMTH’s operations. Consequently, the establishment of this center will undoubtedly remain an indelible legacy that reflects his commitment to innovation and institutional growth.

For Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the establishment of the ICT Center at UMTH represents the realization of a long-held vision to propel the institution into the future of medicine. This initiative aligns with global efforts to integrate advanced technology within healthcare systems, thereby enhancing service delivery and medical research capabilities. The ICT Center is designed to facilitate efficient data management, telemedicine, and digital diagnostics, which are critical components in meeting international health standards.

The implementation of cutting-edge information and communication technologies has further strengthened the CMD’s position as an all-rounder in both health and management. The ICT center indeed shows that Professor Ahmed Ahidjo aims to transform UMTH from a traditional health institution into a modern medical hub capable of addressing contemporary challenges. This transformation not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters collaborative opportunities with global health organizations. The development of the ICT center at UMTH underscores the commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare education and service provision, which the professor of interventional radiology has brought to play. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

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We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of Nigeria – Prof. Tahir

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We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of NigeriaProf. Tahir

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Medical Director of the ultra modern Police Hospital Damaturu Prof Bashir Tahir has said that his facility has one of the best Ophthalmology departments in North East Nigeria.

He made this declaration while speaking with this reporter in Damaturu recently.

Professor Tahir stated that having met the facility in a near comatose state, he and his team have been able to create a department of Opthalmology plus six others and set it on a very high standard ready to serve the people in the catchment area.

Tahir who spoke through his Director of Administration Mallam Hamza Saleh stated that “Our Opthalmology dept is one of the best in the North East of Nigeria and you can get a recommended glasses within an hour because of the state of arts machines in that very department in the hospital.”

Speaking on the current expansion going on in the facility the MD stated that “We have ENT and consultants coming from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH alternatively during the week to do routine consultations, ward rounds and even operations in the theatre.

“We recently spent about N10m to buy equipments in the ENT and we do hope that all the equipments will be available before the end of the year.

On the revitalization of the facility, he went on: “We actually met the three theatres in bad shape but we have been able to put them into functional use by restructuring them accordingly. For now all three are functioning including the O and G theatre where routine operations have been conducted.

“When we came on board also the hospital was not departmentalized. So we did that and opened the way for more doctors to come by creating these seven departments for them to work in an organized way.

“All the departments are functional with seven consultants who man these departments to the satisfaction of all the patients who visit the facility.

This new facility can also boast of two Eye Nose and Throat surgeons and others as the support staff to support the facility.

“We have about 100 nurses with one that is a police officer. We also have some of them with specialized techniques and that has contributed to the progress of the place.

On medical lab scientists, the MD posited that they now have six lab scientists in different areas, two pharmacists and a couple of technicians that assist them on the ground on a daily basis.

They have a solid Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with a pharmacy company in the supply of drugs which is used to stabilize the availability of drugs in the hospital.

On supply of drugs, he noted that they make sure that people served well and patient are the priority of anything that happens in the facility adding that they now have satellite pharmacies in the facility to ensure quality time is not wasted.

The MD said that it was part of their plan to get most of the major equipments before any fresh employment of any professional commences so that all hands will be on deck to ensure the best.

We have the best Opthalmology department in the North East of NigeriaProf. Tahir

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UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.

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Interventional radiology centre at UMTH

UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.

By: Balami Lazarus 

After the devastating flood of September 2024, UMTH counted so many losses that ran into billions of naira. Little did the public expect too soon that another gigantic medical center that is not found in other hospitals in Nigeria, but only in Maiduguri, situated and being at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital-Borno State.

The IR Centre, or Interventional Radiology Centre, in the words of the Director of the Centre, Dr. Mohammed Lawan, is a hospital within a hospital, describing the massive building equipped with the latest medical equipment as a center for carrying out radiology services, for training, and for research purposes. 

The Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, Midas touch has produced and added medical value to nourish the healthcare delivery services through the new Interventional Radiology Center (IRC). “This center is another medical solution to interventional radiology treatments…. We are proud to have this as a medical facility”.

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What is interventional radiology? According to Dr. Mohammed Lawan, who spoke to NEWSng. Interventional Radiology It is a medical specialty that performs various minimally invasive procedures and techniques to treat many medical conditions that once required open surgery. The use of medical imaging guidance through sophisticated and high-tech medical equipment like x-ray fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc., are some major working medical gadgets to qualify interventional radiology. Therefore, the center is meant to offer specialized medical surgery/treatment and healthcare delivery services to patients at UMTH through interventional radiology surgery.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/hmpom-2022-grand-celebration-for-her-members/

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In furtherance of NEWSng findings, a walk into the center opens up to so many clinics and equipment that draw attention. The center is an imposing building beautifully designed with offices equipped with furniture, medical equipment, and materials of high quality. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and other working tools are used to give it a full certification to be known, called, and addressed as the Interventional Radiology Center of standard offering international best practices.

Prof. Ahidjo told NEWSng that “we are the only ones that see the inside at all times when and where there are medical radiology cases. He further said that the center will also serve as a reference point for radiologists, consultants, doctors, and medical students. “The Interventional Radiology Center is meant to make a difference in providing quality healthcare services in medicine. IRC is my new baby”. e center has male and female wards with what it takes to have in a specialized sentence like IRC of UMTH. To make it easy for those with mobility challenges, the building is designed to ease their movement within the facility. The reception area and the patient’s waiting room, as well as the recovery room, are of worth according to standards obtainable in any medical center or hospital.

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When NEWng entered into the building, Dr. Mohammed Lawan was already attending to patients, and this afforded our special team to see things firsthand. This concludes that with the emergence of IRC, UMTH has finally revealed the true medical specialty of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo to so many people out there who see him like any other professor of medicine. The CMD and/or hospital administrator. “Prof. Ahidjo is a surgeon consultant and interventional radiologist, one of the best brains in this particular field of medicine, within and without,” said one radiologist.

UMTH: Interventional Radiology Centre, a High-tech Medical Solution.

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