Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revolutionizing Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) healthcare services nationwide, citing urgent need to address infrastructure gaps and specialist shortages.
The Vice President made the declaration on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON), led by its President, Dr. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu’s Administration Tackles ENT Sector Challenges
Shettima revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized resolving critical issues in ENT care, including:
- Inadequate medical infrastructure
- Shortage of specialized equipment
- Mass migration of ENT specialists abroad
“A huge chunk of our population suffers from hearing ailments, but due to social stigmatization, many are reluctant to come forward for treatment,” Shettima stated. “The challenges you are highlighting are real, and the government is committed to going beyond cosmetic interventions.”
Nigeria’s Looming ENT Specialist Crisis
The Vice President expressed concern over Nigeria’s severe shortage of ENT surgeons, estimating that “there may not be up to 500 ENT surgeons in this country if immediate action is not taken.”
He assured that the government would focus on training, welfare, and retention of medical professionals, alongside equipment procurement. “Procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would amount to nothing,” he emphasized.
Global Hearing Loss Epidemic Demands Action
Dr. Kodiya highlighted alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), projecting that by 2050, 2.5 billion people globally will experience hearing loss, with 700 million requiring rehabilitation.
He lamented that Nigeria’s 2019-2023 National Policy for Ear and Hearing Care expired without full implementation but reaffirmed ORLSON’s readiness to partner with stakeholders to improve ENT services.
Shettima Honored as ORLSON Ambassador
In recognition of his advocacy, the Vice President was conferred with the title of ‘Ambassador of the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria’ during the visit.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on ENT healthcare signals a major policy shift to address a long-neglected sector.
