Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protect the health and well- being of its workforce, as well as reducing cases of trauma in communities.
The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said trauma remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, affecting millions of persons annually.
The Minister spoke at the commemoration of World Trauma Day in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Represented by Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, Director Teaching Hospitals, Prof. Pate made it known that his Ministry has initiated proactive plans on preventing the impacts of trauma to immediate care and rehabilitation in the country, despite awareness already raised.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the World Trauma Day and added that “it underscores the crucial need to protect the health and well- being of our workforce”.
“Trauma not only impact individuals and families but, bear considerable consequences for our economy and society as a whole”, the Minister said.
Speaking on initiatives implemented to address and strengthen trauma care for work place injuries in the country, Prof Pate said the Ministry will establish a dedicated clinic within the Ministry to offer Emergency Medical Services, including care for workplace injuries.
“Beyond the walls of the Ministry, we have worked to improve emergency medical services on a national scale, the Minister stated.
“The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee NEMTC, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU on the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport RESMAT scheme”, he added.
In addition, as part of government efforts to improving trauma care, the Minister said a National Trauma Care Policy is being developed to provide a strategic framework for handling trauma cases, covering pre- hospital and emergency care to rehabilitation and re-integration into the workforce.
On prevention strategy, the Minister affirmed that the Ministry is dedicated to promoting workplace safety across all sectors.
“These include advocating for the implementation of safety protocols, provision of adequate training for employees on safe practices , and regular assessments to minimize hazards.
“Prevention as we know, is the most effective and by investing in these preventive measures, we can reduce the burden of workplace injuries significantly”, the Minister noted.
The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, represented by Dr Azeez Aderemi Director Specialty Hospital, said World Trauma Day is a clarion call for renewed commitment to reducing workplace injuries through proactive prevention and robust management strategies.
In attendance at the Briefing, were representatives of government agencies who delivered goodwill messages- these include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, International Committee of the Red Cross, National Orthopedic Association of Nigeria and Directorate of Road Transport Services VIO.