World Trauma Day: FG admonished by NMA to establish more trauma centres

World Trauma Day: FG admonished by NMA to establish more trauma centres

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to establish more specialised trauma centres to treat victims across the country.
The call was made in a statement jointly signed by Dr Francis Faduyile, National President of NMA, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote, General Secretary, NMA and Dr Kunle Olawepo, Chairman Road Safety and Trauma Service Committee.
“Government at all levels should as an emergency and social responsibility commence an overhaul of Nigerian roads to reduce the carnage of massive loss of lives on Nigerian roads,” it said.
The statement noted that Oct. 17 annually, is designated as World Trauma Day by the World Health Organisation in recognition of the enormity of trauma in causing disability and death especially in the young, productive and economically viable age group.
“This day also emphasises prevention and best treatment protocol when trauma occurs,” it said.
According to the statement, globally the number of fatalities arising from trauma annually is conservatively estimated to be about 5.8 million; more than the figures from malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS put together.
“In addition to these deaths, between 20 million and 50 million people globally are estimated to be injured or disabled each year,” it said.
The statement said that the burden of trauma on the world economy was enormous, adding that developing countries such as Nigeria, with enormous resources are under strain from trauma.
It listed causes of trauma to include shooting, burglary, sexual assault, building collapses, flooding and plane crashes.
According to the statement, effect of trauma causes traumatic brain injury, severe blood loss and loss of consciousness, among others.
NMA therefore called on government officials to enforce road vehicular, aviation and maritime safety measures to reduce road, air and ship accidents.
“Drivers and riders should ensure their vehicles are in optimal working conditions and adhere to speed limits and other safety measures on the highways.
“We call for increased security presence and provision of state of the art security gadgets in all nooks and crannies of the country to stem restlessness, militancy, insurgency, strife and wars in all parts of the nation,” it said.
The statement urged people to utilise alternative dispute resolution and maintain interpersonal and communal harmony.
It added that government should relocate citizens living along drainage ways to prevent flooding and death arising from such incident.

Source: NAN

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