Medical Experts have advised Nigerians to drive safely on roads, to avoid accidents.
The advice came as the Nigeria Orthopaedic Association says over two million Nigerians are currently on admission in various hospitals across the country upon incurring injuries due to road traffic accidents and gunshot wounds with most requiring formal trauma treatment.
The President of the Association, Dr. Muhammad Salihu stated this in a release as part of activities commemorating the 2022 World Trauma Day.
He said TRAUMA, which is the act of injury that can lead to physical or emotional damage is a neglected disease worldwide, but the degree of neglect in Nigeria is acute, with a near complete absence of organised trauma services, stressing that there was the need to strengthen the capacity of various hospitals to formally manage trauma victims.
“It is recorded that over two million Nigerians are currently hospitalised, upon incurring various injuries, following road traffic accidents and gunshot injuries. More than 30 percent of these persons present serious injuries requiring surgical interventions.
“It is also noteworthy that the majority of these victims are receiving treatment within the country with only a small fraction jetting out of the country.
TRADITIONAL BONE SETTERS DANGEROUS
Traditional medicine
According to him, unfortunately, more than 50 percent of those injured still present to the Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) practice, which presents grave consequences such as an increase in morbidity and mortality thereby calling for caution.
“TBS is community-based individuals lacking formal medical training but engaged in administering healthcare to injure in a rural and urban center with high patronage across Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the frequently injured parts of the body are the lower limb bones (tibia and femur). However, the most deadly injuries are head, spinal and abdominal injuries.
“About four thousand Nigerians incur spinal injuries yearly, and spinal injuries require prompt and efficient treatment to prevent early death and debilitation. More than 50 percent of spinal injury patients die from complications resulting from injury or treatment.
“Deliberate and coordinated treatment for spinal cord injuries is lacking in our sub-region. Currently, the only known dedicated spinal injury centre is the 50-bed Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Spine Centre at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano.
“More of such centres are needed in each of the geopolitical zones in Nigeria, for ease of access to standard orthodox spinal trauma care,” he suggested.
COMMENDATION
Salihu said the recent efforts by Federal Government to establish more Orthopaedic Hospitals to ensure every geopolitical zone has access to a nearby trauma care center is a step in the right direction.
“We encourage every state Government in the federation to establish Trauma Centers and incorporate organised Trauma Services for their residents,” he said.
He explained that the common cause of trauma in Nigeria is a Road Trafic Accident, RTA, occasioned by Poor road network, Use of old/poorly maintained vehicles as well as poor driving skills.
Others he said include: gunshot injuries, falls from height, and assaults among others.
“In Nigeria, the incidence of gunshot injuries and psychological trauma is on the increase due to banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of terrorism, which make up the headlines regularly.
MESSAGES
The National President advised Nigerians to avoid all known causes of trauma, such as road incidents or workplace injuries, as prevention is better than cure. Emphasizing that when accidents like these happen, seeking legal assistance from a skilled professional, like a portsmouth accident lawyer, can help navigate the complexities of the situation. Additionally, he reiterated that a hospital remains the best place to receive appropriate medical treatment in the event of an accident.
“Do not send acutely injured patients to Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) centers. Take them to the emergency department of our hospitals for adequate trauma care and referral services.
“Government should ensure full implementation of Emergency Care Services including Trauma Services in Nigeria, establish legislations and regulations to reduce patronage of orthodox trauma care in Nigeria as well as create more trauma and spine centres to cover each geopolitical zone for ease of access to standard orthodox trauma care in Nigeria,” concluded Dr. Salihu.
World Trauma Day is usually held on October, 17th across the globe every year.
Dominica Nwabufo
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