By Chioma Obinna

The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi on Monday raised alarm over the growing number of Nigerians losing limbs and developing permanent disabilities due to wrong fracture treatments and delayed presentation at hospitals, warning that continued patronage of traditional bone setters remains a major public health threat.

The warning came as the foremost orthopaedic institution marked its 80th anniversary with a carnival and awareness walk aimed at educating Nigerians on the dangers of poorly managed bone injuries and the importance of seeking specialist care early.

Speaking during the event, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, said many fracture cases that could have been successfully treated often become complicated because patients first seek help from untrained handlers before reporting to hospitals.

“One of the major problems we have in this country is inadequate awareness,” Lawal said.

“When people sustain bone injuries, they need to present early to people specially trained to manage such cases. Orthopaedic practice has gone beyond what people inherited from ancient experience. There is science behind everything we do.”

According to him, delayed hospital presentation after failed traditional treatments continues to increase cases of severe complications, deformities and amputations.

“When patients come late, after wrong treatment has already worsened the condition, the complications increase and it becomes more difficult even for specialists to manage,” he warned.

“If people present early, the incidence of amputation and permanent disability will reduce significantly.”

Lawal said the hospital deliberately chose advocacy and public awareness as a central focus of its 80th anniversary celebration because many Nigerians still underestimate the dangers associated with improper fracture care.

“Today we are celebrating a landmark event in the life of this institution. We thought it was important to show Nigerians and the world the contribution the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi has made in saving humanity over the last 80 years.”

He noted that the hospital’s services now extend beyond Nigeria to patients from sub-Saharan and West African countries.

Lawal also appealed for stronger support from the private sector, philanthropists and the public to help the hospital expand its infrastructure and upgrade equipment in response to rising healthcare demands.
“This hospital serves one of the largest and most diverse populations in the country. Government alone cannot shoulder the burden. Nigerians must also support this institution through partnerships, infrastructural support and equipment donations.”

Also speaking, the Head of Clinical Services and Chairman of the hospital’s 80th Anniversary Local Organising Committee, Dr. Francis Nwachukwu, described the anniversary as a major milestone despite the country’s healthcare and economic challenges.

“Eighty years is not a joke in the life of an institution,” Nwachukwu said.

“When you look at where we are coming from and the challenges around us, we still have every reason to beat our chest and congratulate ourselves.”

According to him, the hospital has recorded medical achievements that were previously impossible in Nigeria. “There are many things we do today that years ago could not be achieved in this country.”

In her remarks, the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Onyinyechi Uwuoma, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace healthcare careers, describing nursing as a noble and globally respected profession.
Reflecting on her nearly three decades at the hospital, Uwuoma said the institution had witnessed remarkable transformation in infrastructure, manpower development and healthcare delivery.

“Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi has gone a long way, but we are still moving forward. With the team of professionals we have, the sky is just the starting point,” she said.