Abuja: On Monday, the International College of Surgeons (ICS) commenced a two-day free surgical outreach for indigent and vulnerable Nigerians in collaboration with its Nigeria Section.
The outreach is part of activities marking the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGM-SC), which will take place from June 23 to 27.
The conference is themed “Surgical Safety in a Developing Economy: The Role of Technology and Healthcare Innovations,” with sub-themes focusing on healthcare financing models, public-private partnerships, and strategic tools for optimising surgical safety.
Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the pre-conference surgical workshop targeted at least 20 patients with complex medical conditions.
“These are surgeries many of them cannot afford. We’re taking on complicated cases involving anaesthesia and advanced procedures.
“We want to demonstrate that ICS can support the less privileged with life-changing interventions,” he explained.”
Dr Mandus Akonjom, Senior Consultant and Chairman of the Surgical Outreach Committee, said the college’s mission was to reach underserved populations, hence the choice of Nigeria for the conference.
“We’ve assembled a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, urologists, plastic surgeons, gynaecologists, ENT specialists, and ophthalmologists.
“Surgeries will range from brain and bone operations to eye and ENT procedures, all requiring high levels of expertise and a well-equipped environment,” he said.
Dr Uzowulu Rosemary, a Specialist Anesthesiologist, cautioned against medical tourism, noting that Nigerian doctors, even abroad, deliver world-class care due to rigorous training.
She called on Nigerians to trust local professionals and urged the government to increase investment in the health sector to stem the brain drain.
“It’s not the wish of doctors to leave Nigeria. Many work tirelessly abroad under better conditions while underpaying or owed salaries back home. That must change.”