Health

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Published

1 month ago

March 25, 2025

Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.

Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.

“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”

The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “

Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”

“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”

Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.

“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”

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Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.

“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.

“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”

To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.

“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”

He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”

Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”

Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.

“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.

He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

Related Topics:Doctor Nigerian prostate cancer robotic

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Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

Published

11 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Trends Admin

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

The Akwa Ibom State government has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to take an oath, ensuring they fulfill a service bond before leaving the state.

This move is part of the government’s effort to address the ongoing issue of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities commonly known as ‘Japa.

The announcement was made by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in Uyo over the weekend.

According to Essien, the state government plans to recruit 600 medical professionals and 100 occupational safety officers to work in the newly established Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.

“Every person that government is sending out on training now is bonded to serve the government for a period that government would have recovered the investment on their training,” Essien said. “The bonding is a very serious issue now, so none of them will escape. For the medical doctors, we go as far as the Medical Council that usually gives clearance for any professional who is travelling out of the country. So, if we send your name that government has trained you, you are under bond to serve the government, so the Medical Council will not allow such a person travel out again,” he added.

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Additionally, the Head of Civil Service revealed that the state government has disbursed N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed to its workforce in unpaid gratuities, promotions, and other arrears.

This, he said , reflects the government’s commitment to worker welfare, as outlined by Governor Umo Eno, who has prioritized the financial well-being of both active and retired civil servants.

He said Governor Eno’s administration has also made significant strides in clearing long-standing debts, and the release of N500 million monthly for pension contributions has also been a key part of these efforts.

“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment,” Essien remarked. “The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result.”
Essien also noted that the administration is diligently addressing past neglect and building a sustainable structure for the future.

Japa: Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers

Health

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

Published

1 week ago

April 20, 2025

Trends Admin

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

The parents’ body of students of Ekiti State College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the state House of Assembly, and the commissioners for education and health to intervene in its stalled negotiation with the management of the college over the astronomical fees charged by a private estate developer, BVERS Hostel and Suites.

In the petition obtained by Sunday Vanguard, the parents stated: “We, as the parents’ body of the above College, use this medium to register our ordeal with the management of the college and a private developer over exorbitant charge of N250,000 per bed space.

“Sir, permit us to inform you that a bed space was charged at N40,000 in the year 2022 when our children were offered admission into the college, but this amount was increased to N100,000 per bed space when the students resumed. It took several negotiations before we were given a few months’ grace to pay for the additional N60,000 to make up for the increment.

“We were surprised to receive an urgent call in September this year from our children that they have been moved to a new hostel within the college and with instructions by the college management that a bed space will now cost N280, 000.
“However, the amount was merely reduced to N250, 000 per bed space after several engagements with the College Management to register our objections to the obnoxious increment. Further several appeals for reduction of the accommodation fee by the college management are unyielding and have eventually forced us to appeal to you as the father of the State to come to our aid and mediate on this issue and review as follows:

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“The hostel, as designed, is only suitable for a student; after a careful review of the prevailing circumstances in and around Ekiti State, a charge of N250,000 per student space is outrageous and unsustainable.
“Considering the health and well-being of our children, it will be hazardous to allocate four students to a room originally designed to accommodate a student.

“That we seek your fatherly intervention to instruct the management of the college to accept our proposal of a charge of N150, 000 per bed space and allocate a maximum of two students to a room.
“We equally wish to appeal to His Excellency to intervene in the proposed increment of the college fees beyond common man. “Sir, we have no doubt in your government’s prioritization of the welfare of students and ensuring that their rights and interests are well protected at all times. We believe that you are against anything that will undermine the core principles of accessibility and affordability to education, which are crucial for factoring socio-economic growth in our state and the nation at large.”

When this correspondent sought the reaction of the Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Professor Kayode Olabanji, he said he intervened when the parents brought the matter to his attention and that was why the initial fee of N280k was negotiated down to N250k and then N230,000.
“However, it was when we negotiated it down to N250k that the parents decided to take the matter to the Office of the Governor and the House of Assembly. So, since the matter is now at the higher office, and a panel has been set up, we have to wait government pronouncement on the matter,” Prof Olabanji said.
Many of the parents, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said they don’t mind paying the N230,000, but the rooms should be of modern standards that would cater to the number of available students.

Ekiti College of Nursing, parents at war over increase in hostel fee

Health

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2025

Trends Admin

University of Ibadan

UI management raises alarm over female students turning egg donation into source of income

The University of Ibadan (UI) has raised concerns over the growing trend of female students donating eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), with some reportedly turning it into a regular source of income.

The University Health Service (UHS) issued a memo, titled ‘Health Advisory on Egg Donation,’ signed by Dr. Aderonke Ajav, highlighting the issue.

University spokesperson, Joke Akinpelu, confirmed that the memo was published in the university’s bulletin.

The management has expressed alarm at the increasing number of female students involved in egg donation, urging them not to view it as a financial opportunity.

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“It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents or agencies,” the memo read.

“While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative side hustle.”

The institution acknowledged that current research has yet to provide clear conclusions on who is medically fit to donate, the safe frequency of donations, and the optimal interval between them.

As a result, the memo advised students to limit donations to no more than three times a year and to select reputable clinics that follow established guidelines and prioritize the safety of donors.