VP Shettima Pledges Stronger ENT Healthcare as Nigeria Battles Specialist Shortage

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services across Nigeria, addressing growing concerns over hearing loss and a critical shortage of specialized medical personnel in the sector.

Government’s Commitment to ENT Healthcare

Shettima made this declaration on Thursday evening while receiving a delegation from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON), led by its President, Dr. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Vice President emphasized the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in ENT services, to address the rising cases of hearing impairment nationwide.

“A significant portion of our population suffers from hearing-related ailments, yet due to social stigmatization and limited access to specialists, many do not seek treatment. The challenges you’ve raised are real, and the government is committed to addressing them beyond superficial interventions,”

Nigeria’s Critical ENT Specialist Shortage

Senator Shettima expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s dwindling number of ENT specialists, warning that without immediate action, the country may have fewer than 500 ENT surgeons serving its population of over 200 million.

“That is the stark reality we face today. Many of our young doctors are migrating abroad, but we are actively working to build an environment that encourages them to stay and serve here at home,” he stated.

The Vice President assured that government support would extend beyond equipment procurement to include comprehensive training programs, improved welfare, and retention strategies for healthcare professionals in the ENT field.

ORLSON Honors VP Shettima

In recognition of his advocacy, ORLSON conferred Vice President Shettima with the honorary title of Ambassador of the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria.

Global Hearing Loss Crisis

ORLSON President Dr. Kodiya presented alarming statistics on hearing loss, describing it as a global public health emergency. He cited World Health Organization (WHO) projections indicating that by 2050:

• Nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide will experience some degree of hearing loss
• Over 700 million will require rehabilitation
• The condition costs the global economy over $1 trillion annually

Dr. Kodiya also lamented the expiration of Nigeria’s National Policy and Strategic Plan for Ear and Hearing Care (2019–2023) without full implementation, calling it a missed opportunity to establish sustainable hearing health services.

Despite these challenges, ORLSON reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with government, private sector partners, and international stakeholders to expand access to quality ENT services nationwide.

Full credit to the original publisher: Toscad News