News
Experts Seek PPP To Boost Healthcare Delivery …Urge More Govt Investment In Infrastructure
Experts in the health sector have advocated strategic public private partnership (PPP) to boost healthcare delivery in the country and curb incidence of medical tourism abroad as well as capital flight.
The stakeholders agreed that clear synergy between medical practitioners in the public and private sectors will bridge the yawning gap in healthcare delivery value chain, insisting that adequate roads, constant power supply, enduring security, good water and sanitation systems, among others, would enhance access to quality healthcare services in the country.
The medical professionals from both public and private sectors spoke at a Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Forum to mark 2017 World Spinal Cord Injury Day, with the theme, “Yes We Can”, at Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics Limited, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
Consultant Neurosurgeon at Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics Limited, Abuja, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, said the event was focused on efforts to remove obstacles in the way and ensure that spinal cord injury patients get early treatment, care and support to prevent the chances of deaths from road accidents and other emergencies which trigger spinal cord injuries.
The spine and brain surgeon listed obstacles to include lack of SCI rehabilitation centre, physical and physiotherapy care, reliable statistics for SCI cases, proper management of SCI at accident scenes, poor sensitization and awareness, among others.
He added the global focus was an initiative of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) aimed at promoting disability inclusion throughout the world, noting that the collaboration between Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics and other health facilities in the state was to ensure the creation of sufficient awareness on the rights steps to manage and care for SCI victims.
Ogungbo advocated total prevention from spinal cord injuries by ensuring safe driving habits, preventing falls from heights, taking of precautions when playing sports, among others.
Chairman, National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr Peterside Sofiri canvassed for concerted management of spinal cord injury patients by governments, specialists and caregivers to reduce deaths resulting from road accidents and other death-threatening emergencies.
According to him, “Prevention is better than cure but in fact, where a spinal cord injury is concerned, prevention is cure. We are asking for an enabling environment to ensure we have Indian hospitals in Nigeria by putting basic amenities such good roads, uninterrupted power supply, sustainable peace and security, in place.”
Sofiri, who is also president, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Down Town, appealed to governments at all levels to provide subsidized equipment to help in the treatment, care and support for SCI patients, saying that “The high spate of medical tourism abroad can be reversed if people in authority do the needful by providing the enabling environment for individuals and organizations to contribute their quota in the healthcare sector”.
Also speaking, Consultant Orthopeadic Surgeon, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr Eyimina Phillip enumerated the procedure for identifying and providing emergency treatment to spinal cord injury victims, advising that special care needed to be taken to ensure patients’ situations are managed with care to avoid unnecessary deaths.
He stressed the importance of partnerships between public and private sector practitioners in managing issues in the healthcare system, saying that when medical practitioners in both sectors work together, better healthcare services would be achieved for the benefit of society.
Physiotherapist, Optimal Health Centre, Okafor Chukwuebuka said the awareness campaign was necessary to help bridge rising gap in emergency response time in the healthcare delivery, especially with regard to the needs of spinal cord injury victims, and expressed the hope that the event will facilitate an inclusive platform for persons with disability, accident and gun-shot patients, among others.
Chukwuebuka, who is also a consultant, Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics in Port Harcourt, further listed initial treatment and stabilization procedures, including physical and occupational therapy and assistive devices for SCI patients as vital elements, adding that the rehabilitation and reintegration phase of victims were critical in sustaining recovery.
In her remarks, Chief Physiotherapist at UPTH, Dr Blessing Nkiruka Jonathan decried the dearth of adequate working tools and equipment at most public hospitals as well as lack of incentives for competent medical personnel, and advocated for unrestrained collaboration between the public health institutions and private health facilities with modern equipment and working environment to ensure better healthcare delivery services in the state.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
News
Bill For Compulsory Counselling For Convicted Corrupt Nigerians Scales Second Reading
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
News
Judiciary, Media Key Pillars Of Democracy, Says CJN
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
News
Senate Issues Arrest Warrant Against Julius Berger MD Over Road Project
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.
-
Sports5 days ago
Bayelsa tasks athletes to surpass NSF records
-
Business5 days ago
We Have Spent N1bn On Electrification -LG Boss
-
Sports5 days ago
MASGULF FC A PLACE TO HAVE FUN, KEEP FIT – PRESIDENT
-
Rivers5 days ago
Group Berates NLNG, PH Refinery over Marginalization Of Wakrike
-
Business5 days ago
NIGCOMSAT Seeks Policy To Harness AI Potentials
-
Sports5 days ago
NOVELTY MATCH: IKWERRE LAWYERS BEAT MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS 3-0
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Stakeholders Caution Delta Over Propose Mangrove Forest Sale
-
Rivers4 days ago
Group Urges Consistency, Diligence In Nigerian Youths