The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate has emphasised the need for collaboration between the Federal Government and the healthcare workforce to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular death in the country.

Speaking at the 8th yearly Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium, organised by Cardiocare Multispecialty Hospital – A Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Medicine, implored healthcare workers to advance healthcare and resist the pull of outbound emigration.

Pate, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, highlighted critical advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sudden cardiac death, focusing on life-saving interventions such as electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

The minister commended the Cardiocare Hospitals Abuja and Group Managing Director, Limi Hospital Group, Dr Iseko Iseko, for organising the yearly event, which has been instrumental in reversing medical tourism and improving healthcare delivery.

The symposium had over 800 healthcare professionals from across Nigeria and beyond including top specialists, doctors, and nurses in attendance.The President, Nigeria Cardiac Society, Prof Augustine Odili, who delivered the 2nd yearly LM Iseko Memorial lecture themed, “Sudden Cardiac Death,” called for the inclusion of basic life support skills at multiple education levels to improve sudden death management.

Iseko commended the Federal Government and partners for their contributions towards reducing reliance on medical tourism and improving healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians.