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  • NAFDAC commends Tinubu for signing executive order to transform health sector 

    Order
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, Julne 29, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for recently signing an Executive Order (EO) to transformed the country’s health sector.
    The commendation is in a statement by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
    Adeyeye stated that the reform and transformation agenda to make NAFDAC a well-functioning, strong and stable regulatory organisation started when she assumed office six years ago.
    She added that the effort she put into transforming NAFDAC has started paying off, “part of which is what paved the way to signing of the Executive Order to make Nigeria to manufacture its own drugs.”
    The Executive Order, she said, includes several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties which exempts specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, goods and accessories, as well as reduce production costs and make healthcare products affordable.
    She noted that “the Executive Order also gives special waivers on pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and other essential raw materials, including those for Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.”
    She added that all these products would benefit from zero tariff, excise duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), as well as low prices of essential medicines and medical supplies.
    Adeyeye explained that the Executive Order would also shape and establish framework contracts and volume to guarantee and stabilise local manufacturing of medical products.
    According to her, it will also help in regulatory harmonisation, expedient approvals, develop harmonised implementation framework to guide regulatory agencies in streamlining approval processes.
    She stated that the order would help in implementation and compliance, where agencies like Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) would ensure swift implementation.
    Adeyeye said “the waivers and exemptions are valid for two years. The order is vital to the success of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and will encourage local manufacturing, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on imports.
    “It will ensure reliable supply of essential healthcare products, enhance quality and innovation, strengthen health aystems by address underinvestment and regulatory challenges.
    “The Executive Order will improve service delivery and health outcomes, and enhance resilience to future health crises.”
    The NAFDAC boss noted that the President’s Executive Order underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
    According to her, the Executive Order aligns with the broader objectives of the NHSRII and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) approved in October 2023.
    She emphasised that by addressing core challenges and providing clear path for improvement, the Executive Order would set the stage for sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/BEKl/HA
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Fight cervical cancer with determination, Nwoko charges medical practitioners

    Photograph from the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) conference in Abuja on Thursday

    Fight cervical cancer with determination, Nwoko charges medical practitioners

    Conference
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Ned Nwoko (Delta North-PDP) has charged medical practitioners to approach the fight against cervical cancer with urgency and determination.

    Nwoko gave the charge in Abuja on Thursday at the maiden edition of African Women in medicine, health and wellness conference 2024, organised by Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

    The organisation of the conference was also in partnership with Focus Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Strengthening networks for prompt diagnosis and care’’.

    Nwoko, who was the Chairman of the conference, stated that it was crucial to eliminate the disease with the collaboration of stakeholders.

    According to him, healthcare professionals are the backbone of the medical field, and that promoting holistic health requires everyone to look beyond traditional practices.

    Nwoko, who was represented by his personal assistant, Dr Michael Nwoko, said there was a need to enhance quality of lives of the people and that this can only happen through the collaboration of all and sundry.

    “We must embrace innovation through strengthening of network to actualised Universal Health Coverage (UHC),

    “Collaboration is the key to realise the theme and sub themes of this conference, collaboration can create transformative change in the country’s healthcare system,’’ Nwoko said.

    Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman, Senate Committee on Healthcare Services, noted that the theme of the conference was timely and critical to enhance healthcare delivery in the Africa Continent.

    Banigo, who was the keynote speaker at the conference, explained that the theme shows that healthcare is a fundamental human right.

    She stated that the power of networking was a vital tool in the health sector and that it means strengthening collaboration between the health workers and communities.

    “Community engagement is key for all what we do as MWAN; if we are not close to our people we won’t know their needs, opportunities that are offered in healthcare are enormous.

    “Collaborative efforts lead to improved patient outcomes and a better healthcare system. This collective wisdom affords us to provide evidence-based healthcare.

    “We must optimise our resources effectively for optimal goal realisation; community engagement is very key, the role of networking is more critical as we look into the future.

    “We cannot effectively eliminate cervical cancer without effective collaboration among healthcare practitioners, collaboration efforts help to prevent diseases and create awareness of lifestyle,’’ she stressed.

    She called on healthcare workers to be committed to collaboration, saying that as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Healthcare Services, she would ensure the transformation of the health sector.

    Prof. Rosemary Ogu, the National President of MWAN stated that her expectation from the conference was that everybody should key into the theme of the conference – networking and collaboration to improve diagnosis and care.

    She said that if healthcare professionals do their work alone, there may not be much result, but if there is collaboration in the system, there would be a higher result among practitioners.

    According to her, the conference particularly bothers on women’s health and wellness and that sharing information makes one to learn more especially on the elimination of cervical cancer.

    Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) stated that the administration not only carried out infrastructural determinants of the health sector, but also its social determinants.

    She said that the FCTA had started going to the grassroots’ to preach to the people that prevention is better than cure when it comes to health issues.

    According to her, due to the extensive advocacy and health information activities, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has not officially recorded any case of cholera in the city.

    She said that this was part of the initiative Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT is carrying out, saying that he is not only a project man, but also wants the system to grow.

    Fasawe said that the FCT Primary Health Care Board and the FCT Health Insurance Scheme are also doing their best to ensure sanity in the health system of the FCT. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

  • WDD: Drugs kill, NYO warns youths

     

    Drugs

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO) has warned Nigerian youths against illicit use of drugs, saying it is toxic and has ability to kill people.

    Comrade Okorie Okorie, the President of NYO, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, on the occasion of World Drug Day (WDD).

    The 2024 WDD has the theme:”The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on June 26 every year.

    Okorie, who commended the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for strengthening the action against illicit drugs, called for cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

    He reminded Nigerian youths in particular of the dangers of drug use which according to him, can be irredeemable.

    “Drugs can lead to madness, depression, robbery, murder or violence.

    “It is wise for our youths to resist its thrills because in that lies the kill and I know many have been rendered useless by drugs,” he said.

    The NYO President highlighted the health hazards of drugs in the body which could lead to immediate or remote impairments.

    He advised youths to shun all forms of drugs in order to live a meaningful life for themselves and the nation.

    The NYO boss identified drugs as the major causes of criminal activities and other social vices which had made prevention imperative.

    Okorie used the occasion to commend Gen Buba Marwa, Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for his uncompromising stance against drugs.

    He expressed the commitment of the youth organisation to work in synergy with NDLEA and other relevant bodies in the fight against drugs.

    NAN reports that according to UNODC, the global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide.

    This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognises that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights.

    It must also be rooted in compassion, a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Customs officers wives, group warn students against drug abuse

    President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi raising a placard against drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking.

     

    Drug

    By Aderogba George/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) and Bridge and Bond Development Initiative (BBDI) on Tuesday urged students to shun drug abuse and stay focused to fulfil their future dreams.

    They made the call during a campaign to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Government Junior Secondary Schools Garki, Area 11 and Karu, Abuja respectively.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the celebration was: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention and Treatment.”

    NAN also reports that the topic for the campaign was: “Dangers of Drug Abuse in a Child’s Life.”

    The event  was organised by BBDI and sponsored by COWA.

    Speaking at the event, the President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, admonished the students not to engage in any venture that would make them go down the slop of life or lose their integrity.

    “This is because,  you are bigger and better than who you think you are.  We want you to shun drug abuse. Be friends with people that will bring out the best in you.

    “Always do the right thing.  Don’t succumb to peer pressure; when you notice something going wrong speak out; speak to somebody, your parents, teachers, principal.

    “Don’t do anything that will destroy your life. You are the future of this country. Don’t let drug destroy you. Seek support so that you can achieve your potential in life.

    “Invest in yourself by doing the things that would guide and lead you to your future dreams. Engage in sports and other activities that will help your mental ability and make you stay off drugs.

    “Also,  get a mentor that would always hold your hands and help you to achieve your future goals and dreams. Nevertheless, don’t give up on your dreams, stay focus. You are the great future of Nigeria,” Adeniyi said.

    Adeniyi also called on parents to join in the campaign to curb the menace of drug abuse in the society.

    Officials of COWA, BBDI at the high table during the event.
    Also speaking, the National Coordinator  of BBDI, Mr Festus Onifade, said the  initiative had been on the  campaign to address drug abuse since  2018.

    “This year, we have found a worthy partner in COWA to carry this message far. They are wives and mothers and have decided to sponsor the  event.

    “We must rid our society of drug abuse. And you know, drug use and abuse is closely treated to crime. We want  to solve the issue of crime and criminality. We have to go to the roops to stop the  spread of drug abuse,” Onifade said.

    One of the resource persons, Mrs Tega Amogu, in her presentation, explained to the students that drug would give them fake dreams that would destroy their future.

    “Don’t be deceived, drugs will never bring out the creativity in you. The creativity is already in you. Taking drugs to be creative will only lead to addiction and disaster.

    “Drug will make you forget about your real dream in life,” she said.

    Amogu, a survivor of drug abuse, narrated her life journey through the abuse of drugs and other substances.

    She praised God for helping her to overcome the challenge of drug abuse.

    Cross section of the students while listening to lectures on drug abuse.
    Another resource person, Mr Prosper  Chukwudi, a television and radio host, urged the students to focus on their dreams.

    Chukwudi also cautioned the students against bad friends, peer pressure and internet fraudsters.

    NAN reports that those in attendance include officials of COWA Principals and teachers from the schools and other relevant stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AG/CMY/JNC
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    Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Group calls for protection of street children against cholera

    Group calls for protection of street children against cholera

    Cholera

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI), an NGO, has called for urgent action to protect the street children from contracting cholera.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 33 states in the country have reported cases of the water-borne disease.

    The initiative made the call in a statement issued by its Programme Officer, Mrs Khadijat Shuahib, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Shuahib said data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) paints a troubling picture about the disease.

    According to Shuahib, NCDC has reported 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cholera cases, resulting in 37 deaths, between Jan. 1 and June 11, 2024.

    She said the outbreak with Lagos as the epicenter, poses a significant threat, particularly to Nigeria’s most vulnerable population which has over 10 million street-connected youths, also known as Almajiris.

    “These children face an elevated risk due to their living conditions. Often overcrowded and lacking basic sanitation and clean water, these environments create a breeding ground for cholera and other waterborne diseases.

    “Studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that a single unchecked case of cholera can potentially infect two secondary cases. This exponential growth rate can be even more severe in these high-risk settings.

    “The current situation necessitates immediate and comprehensive action. The Nigerian government must implement a plan to protect children and prevent a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

    “This plan should address both the immediate threat and the root causes pushing children onto the streets. Firstly, the government must prioritise children in public health initiatives’’, Shuahib said.

    According to her, Almajiri children who are also known as street-connected youth need to be integrated into government healthcare programmes and cholera response plans.

    “Culturally sensitive outreach campaigns should be developed to educate them about cholera prevention, proper hygiene practices, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities,” she said.

    She also pushed for targeted deployment of mobile medical clinics as crucial to curtail the spread of cholera, adding that high-risk areas should be prioritised, with well-staffed mobile clinics.

    Shuahib said that trained healthcare professionals providing essential medical care and cholera treatment to vulnerable children residing in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities should be prioritised.

    She also said that long-term solutions are essential to address the root causes of children living on the streets.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Sustain fight against gender-based violence, Council boss tells FG

    Sustain fight against gender-based violence, Council boss tells FG

    Enlightenment

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Chairman, Abaji Area Council, FCT, Mr Abubakar-Umar Abdullahi, has urged the Federal Government not to relent in sensitising the public about ills of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

    He made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja at one-day stakeholders community dialogue and advocacy against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

    The event was organised by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

    He said it was important for NAPTIP to scale up public awareness on the provisions of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

    Abdullahi who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Isah Makah, Abdullahi suggested that the programme should be held quarterly in the area.

    He said though there were no reported cases SGBV in the entire Abaji communities there was need for increased sensitisation platforms regarding provisions of VAPP Act.

    Also, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba-Inusa, represented by Alhaji Musa Haruna,

    said that knowledge of the VAPP Act will guide the public on their limits when relating with women and girls.

    Cross Section of the audience during the programme

    Earlier, NAPTIP Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, said that 35 out of 36 states of the federation had domesticated this Act.

    According to her only Kano remained the only state that had not domesticated the Act.

    Waziri-Azi said that in 2023, NAPTIP received many complain from the FCT about SGBV, adding that were spousal assault, abandonment and physical injuries to children.

    According to her, rape is the third highest complain the agency received, adding that secured the conviction of four persons in prisons on in 2023.

    She said that in 2024 alone, NAPTIP had put seven (7) people in prison following the crimes of SGBV, while cautioning Abaji communities to be aware of that.

    “We didn’t received any complain from Abaji, this is not encouraging because we believe that things should be happening here.

    “Critical cases such as rape, incest should not be settled at the community level, we must avoid protecting offenders; these are serious crimes before the law.

    “We also do not condone obstruction of NAPTIP officers while carrying out their lawful duties. We are currently prosecuting three persons suspected to have committed this crime.

    “Also, the Child Rights Act (CRA) must be upheld by every parent. Parents should not shun their children when they are reporting cases of SGBV to them.

    “We encouraged parents to make use of our reporting channel on 07030000203 and 627 short code on MTN and Airtel, these reporting channel are always.

    “Give us proper information that will help us in doing our work,” the D-G said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders were taken through different lectures, including “Understanding Offences under the VAPP Act; and the “Role of Stakeholders in Responding and Preventing SGBV” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • NAFDAC alerts public on unregistered B-GAG syrup

    NAFDAC alerts public on unregistered B-GAG syrup

    Syrup

    By Aderogba George

    NAFDAC
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified Nigerians about the illegal production and sale of unregistered B-GAG mist pot CIT syrup.

    The alert is contained in a public in notice No. 023/2024, issued by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja on Sunday.

    The unregistered product is alleged to have been sold by a company named Babban Gida Agalawa General Enterprises.

    According to the statement, the product, being presented in a pet bottle, was discovered during a surveillance operation carried out by the NAFDAC Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate Officers in Maiduguri, Borno, and Keffi, Nasarawa States.

    It said that the product was found to be without NAFDAC registration number and a misleading label.

    NAFDAC in the statement said that illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines posed a risk to public health.

    Adeyeye noted that without compliance with regulatory provisions the safety, quality, and efficacy of such products were not guaranteed.

    The agency gave the batch number of the fake product as: 0070, manufacturing date as: 01/02/2024, as well as the expiring date as: 01/02/2027.

    Adeyeye also gave the address of the manufacturer as No. 883/884 Western Bypass Ring Road, Kumbosto Local Government, Kano State.

    Adeyeye further said that NAFDAC Zonal Directors and State Coordinators had been directed to carry out surveillance with a view to mopping up the illegal products within the zones and states.

    She advised consumers and caregivers to avoid the use of the product, adding that all medical products must be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers.

    Adeyeye said that products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked before buying.

    She also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of either the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    Adeyeye called on the public to report any adverse reaction to NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    She encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products through NAFDAC E-reporting platforms.

    The e-reporting platforms, according to her are: www.nafdac.gov.ng, the Med- safety application available for download on android, and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

    She said the notice about the product would be uploaded on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KOO/KUA

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Uche Anunne

  • My St. Petersburg Forum participation will benefit youths—Okafor

    My St. Petersburg Forum participation will benefit youths—Okafor

     

    Mr Val Okafor, a youth development personality

     

    Impact

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A youth development professional, Mr Val Okafor, says his participation at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia will impact positively on the country’s young population.

    Okafor, the Nigeria’s representative at the economic forum, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

    NAN reports that over the past 26 years the Forum has cemented its status as a leading international event focusing on key issues on the global economic agenda.

    “It provides a platform for participants to exchange best practices and expertise in the interests of sustainable development.

    “I was a delegate from Nigeria, selected by Friends for Leadership (FFL), an international network of the next generation leaders and entrepreneurs.

    “This network share the best Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) practices and working solutions to bring them into effect to local communities globally.

    “By bringing the SDGs best practices to Nigeria, which I will soon expand will positively impact on the young population of Nigeria,” Okafor said.

    At the Forum, Okafor joined global leaders and experts to discuss and address pressing economic challenges.

    “My representation of Nigeria at the Forum marks a significant step in promoting youth development on a global stage.

    “By participating in this prestigious event, I have gained valuable insights and connections that will further enhance my impactful initiatives.

    “It will further strengthen my role as a Programme Officer at Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI), a leading youth leadership development organisation in Africa.

    “My involvement promises to bring back innovative strategies and partnerships’’, he said.

    According to him those partnerships will contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience and the flourishing of its youth, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CMY/KUA

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    Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Uche Anunne

  • UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training

    UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training
    Photos show some participants at the training

     

    Training

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), an NGO, has begun a five-day training in Abuja for National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners.

    This is made known in a statement signed and issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mrs Adanna Maduka, Director of Policy, Partnerships and Grants, WBFA.

    She said that the training is the third batch of its kind in Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS), which was inaugurated in February.

    According to her, the first and second batch of the training was held in Lagos.

    She said that the primary goal of the training was to enhance the capacity of NPMCN faculty examiners in training resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)

    “The five-day training programme holding at the NPMN College in Utako, Abuja, involves over 25 participants who will be trained by the team from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Nigeria Liaison Group (RCOG NLG).

    “The session began with introductions led by Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, and Dr. Helen Allott, the course director.

    “They established ground rules and set the tone for an extensive training experience.

    “Participants underwent a pre-test breakout session designed to assess their current knowledge, strengths, and areas for improvement, allowing the training to be tailored to their specific needs,” Maduka said.

    Maduka quoted Allott as saying that between 2000 and 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased by 34 per cent, from 339 to 223 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    According to her, in spite of constituting only 2.4 per cent of the global population, Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent of worldwide deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.

    She said this disproportionately high rate impacts approximately 40 million Nigerian women of childbearing from age 15 to 49 years old.

    She further quoted Allott as saying that high figure highlights the project’s aims at improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes throughout Nigeria.

    She said that the project seeks to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare strategies.

    According to her, by advancing the AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for Resident Doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, the Liverpool School on Tropical Medicine and WBFA seek to ensure the provision of high-quality care for mothers and newborns in Nigeria.

    She also said that the AOSS course focuses on advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, thereby directly contributing to enhanced healthcare delivery.

    Allott, she said, explained that the project is funded by the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

    According to her, the project will benefit both the UK and partner country health sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Board petitions Minister over reappointment of MLSCN Registrar

    Petition

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Board of Trustees, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, over alleged unlawful re-appointment of Dr Tosan Erhabor as Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)

    In the petition addressed to Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the board alleged breach of extant rules in a purported renewal of appointment of Erhabor as MLSCN Registrar, for another four years.

    A copy of the petition signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Adunni Udu, was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    In the petition, the board narrated that Erhabor headed the Council in Acting capacity for three years from June 2015, before he was confirmed as substantive Registrar in Aug. 2019.

    According to the board, such appointment was an aberration of extant rule which states that appointment in acting capacity should not exceed six months.

    The board also alleged that the Registrar failed to tender his retirement letter from MLSCN as a career officer, at the point of taking up the appointment in substantive capacity as required by civil service rule.

    Specifically, the board contended that the appointment was a subversion of extant provisions of “Interpretation of Public Service Rules on Compulsory Retirement Age/Year of Service in Relation to Tenured Appointments of Serving Public Officer”,

    The provisions of the civil service rules which the Board said was communicated in 2009, via a circular by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), specifically states that:

    “Career officers who wish to take up tenured appointments, should at the point of the taking up the appointment, retire from service to ensure they run their term uninterruptedly.

    “The career officer who has not retired or chose not to retire from service before the commencement of their tenured appointment, must leave office on attainment of the mandatory age/year of service for retirement.

    “The career officers who are currently holding tenured appointments are required to retire from the service with immediate effect and continue to run their term.

    “Failure to do so, will mean that they would vacate office on attaining the mandatory age of retirement or the expiration of their term, whichever comes first”

    The board alleged that Erhabor did not tender his retirement letter from MLSCN as a career officer at the point of taking up the appointment in substantive capacity as required by the rule.

    According to the board, the Erhabor’s recent resignation from the Council as a Director, four years after his appointment as Registrar, was aimed at shortchanging the system.

    “Dr Tosan Erhabor did not resign his position before taking up the appointment at at first tenure.

    “He is currently, 59 years old and must retire at the age of 60 years on July 22, 2024 as per the date of his birth contained in his employee payslip.

    “No bad precedence must be allowed to go unchecked. Allowing this illegality unchecked will establish a bad precedence in the service .

    “The system must not allow for any sacred cow opportunism that will breed cynicism , shortchanging, favouritism, discomfort and hostile work environment,” the board said

    The board added that it would not hesitate to seek redress in court, if Erhabor was not relief of his position as Registrar of MLSCN on July 22, when he would be 60 years.

    “The Board of Trustee, has already briefed her Attorney to prepare for litigation and other legal actions by practitioners of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology in Nigeria.

    “The OHCSF and the Federal Ministry of Health are hereby put on notice, that failure to ensure the exit of Dr Erhabor in July 2024, we will pursue every legal process and actions desirable,” the board said.

    When the Minister was confronted with the petition, he assured that the ministry would respond to it soon.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi