Get Guardian on GooglePresident, Nigerian Spine Society (NSS) Dr. Kabir Abubakar has cautioned members of the public, especially motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs to avoid accidents that could lead to spinal cord injuries.
He also said they should avoid distractions, while driving, explaining that the major challenge the association has remains that neurosurgeons has become endangered species in Nigeria, where only 15 practising neurosurgeons care for 150 million people, at a ratio of one neurosurgeon to 10 million Nigerians.
He noted that with 26 accredited medical schools, only six offer neurosurgery in Nigeria, adding that there was need for infrastructural development to encourage training of more neurosurgeons
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Speaking at the Inaugural Scientific Conference of the association themed, ‘Generative Spine Disease’ in Lagos, Abubakar noted that spinal cord injury (SCI) not only causes paralysis, but also has long-term impact on physical and mental health.
Director, Trauma/Emergency Disaster Response, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Sydney Ibeanusi, said the ministry was committed to ensuring improvement in neurosurgery practice, aside promoting the latest and best treatment options.
