…says more than 70% of Nigerians facing  neurological challenges unable to access treatment

By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

More than 70 percent of Nigerians facing  neurological challenges are unable to access treatment due to factors ranging from lack of awareness, financial constraints, shortage of neuro-professionals, lack of capacity in most hospitals, says Brain and Spine Foundation Africa.

To this end,the non-governmental organisation committed to promoting public awareness of brain and spinal conditions in the country,has appealed to the federal government to pay attention to neurological healthcare.

Addressing the media in Abuja on the topic: “The State of Neurological Emergencies and Healthcare in Nigeria”, Founder and Executive Director,Brain & Spine Foundation Africa,Engr. Chika Okwuolisa,said the increasing rate of brain and spinal conditions in the country had become a matter of utmost urgency and significance.

Okwuolisa,who said she was “profoundly moved by the burden and hardships experienced by Nigerians confronting neurological emergencies and conditions”, explained that she convened  the event “to urgently address a matter demanding immediate attention from the Nigerian Government.”

Explaining that neurological emergencies are life-threatening central nervous system conditions which are not only common but also affects both children and adults, she noted that the “sequelae may be irreversible and may impact negatively on the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.”

“Unfortunately, more than 70% of Nigerians requiring neurological emergency attention are unable to access treatment due to a multitude of challenges. These include lack of information and adequate knowledge about neurological conditions,financial constraints,shortage of neuro professionals and lack of capacity in most of our healthcare institutions,”she noted.

Speaking further,Engr.Okwuolisa,who explained that Brain and Spine Foundation Africa is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting public awareness of brain and spinal conditions,said:”We currently face a distressing surge in neurological emergencies, with an alarming rate of individuals collapsing and succumbing to conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, tumours, aneurysm, hypertension, trauma from road accidents etc, which have regrettably become prevalent in our hospitals. 

“The exorbitant costs of treatment render them inaccessible to a significant portion of our population, and many who visit hospitals are often forced to go home without treatment nor medication.

” These health crises are undeniably intertwined with the pervasive economic hardships experienced by our citizens. Regrettably, our hospitals grapple with a disconcerting vacuum as a considerable number of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and doctors, opt to relocate abroad. 

“This mass exodus leaves over 230 million Nigerians at the mercy of a depleted healthcare workforce. This situation translates into a heavy workload for many physicians especially, as more are packing their bags even as we speak. 

“There are hundreds of unnecessary and avoidable deaths happening daily, especially from neurological emergencies, including our doctors who die saving lives.

“We urgently call on the government, particularly through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to prioritise and address the escalating issue of neurological emergencies. Emphasising the importance of public awareness, we advocate for substantial investments in educating the public on preventive measures. This proactive approach is crucial in curbing the rising crises. Timely diagnosis and treatment are imperative, and public education serves as a vital tool in ensuring prevention, early recognition and intervention. “

According to her,”This stark reality underscores the imperative for a comprehensive government intervention — not only to address the immediate healthcare needs of our citizens but also to implement measures that will retain and attract healthcare professionals, ensuring the resilience and efficiency of our healthcare system.”

She added:”Recent incidents, notably the case involving a well-known actor, underscore the urgent requirement for heightened attention and resources in the vital realm of healthcare. The fact that individuals feel compelled to continue to seek referrals to private hospitals and even overseas for some minor neurosurgical procedure, expressing a lack of confidence in our national healthcare system, is disheartening.”

She appealed to physicians, especially those not specialised in neurology, to prioritise professional responsibility when managing patients presenting with symptoms suspected to be a neurological emergency.

” Over the years, we have observed with dismay how some physicians and hospitals, lacking the necessary expertise or facilities, tend to retain patients beyond their capacity to provide effective treatment. This unfortunate practice can result in delayed referrals, potentially leading to severe consequences for patients. 

“In this critical moment where lives teeter on the edge due to the formidable challenges posed by neurological challenges, we fervently appeal to the benevolent philanthropists of our nation to kindly extend their compassionate support to this noble cause. The exorbitant costs entailed in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of individuals grappling with neurological conditions have always been a daunting barrier for many, presently, it’s a crisis!.”She said.

She implored philanthropists to consider directing a portion of their philanthropic efforts towards initiatives that focus on neurological healthcare.”

” Their generosity possesses the potential to alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families contending with these conditions, ensuring that lives are not lost due to lack of access to essential medical care.

“At present, we have numerous patients in dire need of funding for immediate treatment and rehabilitation,” she said.

While also appealing to the President of the Senate,Godwill Akpabio, to facilitate the realisation of “this crucial support for them”,she called on the government to allocate significant resources to neurological healthcare, prioritise prevention by allocating funding for advocacy for entire citizens,development of pre-hospital care centres,establishment of an endowment Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund, continuous multi-disciplinary training and capacity building for healthcare staff among others.