Era of lip service is over, NARD  warns Tinubu, insists on 200% salary increase – Newstrends
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Era of lip service is over, NARD  warns Tinubu, insists on 200% salary increase

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Era of lip service is over, NARD  warns Tinubu, insists on 200% salary increase

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the health sector to address the menacing brain drain.

It noted that while most doctors are competent and patriotic, the poor working environment, welfare, insecurity, among others, pushed many to seek greener pastures abroad.

The union insisted on at least a 200 per cent increment in the basic salary of its members, with the additional allowances, as contained in the letter it sent to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health on July 7, 2022.

The NARD expressed shock over the recent increase in the prices of petroleum products, following the removal of subsidy, saying this would propel an increased inflation rate and cost of living.
The union urged the government to put measures in place to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on poor Nigerians.

The doctors expressed their concern in a statement they issued after their union’s ordinary general meeting in Lagos.

The statement by NARD President, Dr. Emeka Orji, reads: “We call on the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency in the Nigerian health sector as the era of paying lip service to the monster called ‘brain drain’ should be over.

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“We urge the government to set up a high-powered panel to review and harmonise the reports from the former President Obasanjo Health Agenda for Nigeria Committee and the former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led Health Sector Reform Committee in order to generate a plan of action in the Health sector for the President Tinubu-led administration.

“We insist on the demand for at least 200 per cent increment in the CONMESS salary structure and the associated allowances, as contained in our letter to the government, dated July 7, 2022. We have resolved to give the new government some time to quickly resolve this issue which is at the root of the current spate of massive brain drain in the sector.”

NARD added: “We call on Governors Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to urgently look into the situation in the Health sector in their states since these are capable of breaking down the industrial peace in their states.

“We call on the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Lagos State Governor to discontinue the demand for bench fees as this contravenes the decision of the National Council on Establishment to abolish the fees.

“We call on the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians to immediately discontinue the practice of charging our members using parallel market exchange rates.

“We call on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to stop the downgrading of the membership certificate as this is not the practice in sister African countries that share the same certificate.”

Era of lip service is over, NARD  warns Tinubu, insists on 200% salary increase

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NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

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NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Abia over fake and expired products Worth N5 billion.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday on X.

NAFDAC said the shops were shut during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, while products valued at N5billion were destroyed at the market.

The director of the South-East zone, Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

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According to the statement, Mr Iluyomade described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.

“Our team uncovered a large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, and vegetable oils.

“Revalidated food items such as milk, yoghurt, noodles among others were also destroyed,” the statement said.

It reaffirmed NAFDAC zero tolerance for such practices and emphasised its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeiting in the market

 

NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba

(NAN)

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Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

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Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears. It may also be described as roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head. The sounds may come and go. Or they may be ongoing. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition and may manifest with buzzing, hissing, or clicking inside the head.

The sound may happen in one or both ears and may have different tones. A team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston studied 73,000 individuals to understand how common this disorder is, which affects millions  with a constant ringing in their ears.

Over a span of 30 years, those who consumed more than two servings of fish weekly had nearly 25 percent lower odds of getting tinnitus compared to those who seldom or never ate fish. Even eating just one serving a week resulted in a 13 percent reduced risk.

Certain types of fish, like tuna, light-fleshed varieties such as cod or halibut, and shellfish, were linked to a reduced risk, while darker fish like salmon and swordfish seemed to increase the risk.

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Interestingly, fish oil supplements, known for their benefits to heart, brain, and joint health, were also connected to a higher risk of tinnitus. It’s estimated that tinnitus is diagnosed in almost 1 in 6 persons.

While age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, and circulation issues are known to contribute to tinnitus, the exact cause remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that dietary factors, such as high levels of calcium, iron, and fat, might heighten the risk. However, this new research is the first to analyse data over such a lengthy period.

Past findings have also shown that seafood can lower the risk of hearing loss, with one study suggesting that increased fish consumption might reduce hearing issues by up to 20 percent. Scientists believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish could protect inner ear cells or reduce inflammation caused by loud sounds, chemicals, or infections.

The Boston team’s investigation, based on a database of US nurses, aims to shed light on the connection between fish consumption and tinnitus, potentially aiding future patients. The authors of the study expressed hope that identifying factors that can be changed might help in preventing tinnitus and guiding targeted treatments.

Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study

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Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

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Dr. Rasheed Abassi

Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

Dr. Rasheed Abassi, a Nigerian medical practitioner, has sparked widespread debate following comments on TVC’s programme Your View, where he recommended increased sexual activity for women as a way to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The doctor also advised men to consider polygamy, citing its potential health benefits, including a lower risk of prostate cancer.

“Women need to have more sex to reduce breast cancer risk. When a woman reaches orgasm, she releases oxytocin, which lowers her chances of developing cancer,” Dr. Abassi stated during the interview.

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Addressing men’s health, Dr. Abassi claimed that polygamy could improve longevity and reduce prostate issues. “Men with two to three wives live longer than men with one wife. If your son is not getting rid of his DHT (dihydrotestosterone), he is likely to develop an enlarged prostate,” he said.

He also linked the absence of regular erections to potential cardiac problems. “Any man not waking with a full erection already has cardiac issues. My oldest patient is 92 years old and has a four-year-old daughter — and that’s DNA-proven,” he revealed.

When asked about the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with increased sexual activity, Dr. Abassi emphasised the importance of safe practices. “The condom is not 100% protective, but we still advise it. Awareness is key,” he said.

He also noted that some men cite the cost of contraceptives as a challenge, comparing it to the financial costs of engaging in sexual activities.

 

Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women

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