NGO wants treatment of birth defects captured in NHIS
NAN -HG-1
NHIS
Tolu Aiyegbusi
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2017 (NAN) An Abuja based NGO, Liron Hydrodrocephalus foundation has called on the Federal Government to capture the treatment of birth defects, Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spinal column of the fetus does not close properly during the first month of pregnancy and this can damage the nerve and spinal column which may cause paralysis of the legs.
While Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain which causes increased intracranial pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head in kids.
Chief Modupe Martins, the executive director of the NGO made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
She said that it was important for the birth defects to be captured in the NHIS so as to relieve families of the financial burden associated with the treatment.
“ Victims affected by these conditions need continuous treatment and care, so we are pleading with the government to please capture it in the NHIS.
“ A diagnosis of Spina bifida or hydrocephalus is not a death sentence but families of sufferers see it as such if the cost of treatment is unbearable,
“ They will keep such victims at home and seek alternative means of treatment which is ineffective if the cost of medical treatment is not easily affordable for the common man.’’ She said.
Martins said that as an NGO, they are doing a lot to mitigate the impact of the condition by offering free treatment to some children and adult suffering from it.
She added that the intervention of the government through the NHIS is needed so that treatment and care can be easily accessed by everyone suffering from it.
“ The NGO is doing its best in offering free treatment but we can’t do much or touch as many lives as we want to because our resources are limited except the government intervenes by enlisting the conditions in the NHIS.
“ As part of our efforts to mark the upcoming World Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus day coming up on Wednesday, the NGO is also spreading its umbrella of hope to the state specialist hospital in Akure, Ondo state to create more awareness on the condition and offer free treatment to some sufferers who need urgent medical attention,
“ We are calling on the government, corporate bodies, philanthropist, and individuals, everybody who has this people at heart to come to the aid of the NGO.
“And make this treatments possible because most patients who get quick treatment usually go on to lead very normal lives,’’ she said.
Approximately 80 per cent of persons living with spina bifida also have hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles which causes increased intracranial pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head in kids.
This may result in convulsion, tunnel vision and mental disability if left untreated. Early detection and treatment of this condition by surgically implanting a shunt can help sufferers to live normal lives. (NAN)
TOLU/MUYI/EAL
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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Ekemini Ladejobi