Health
Nigerian nurses, midwives excited as NMCN finally reactivates verification portal
Nigerian nurses, midwives excited as NMCN finally reactivates verification portal
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reopened its verification portal for nurses and midwives, allowing them to once again submit their verification requests through the council’s website.
Recent checks on the NMCN website on Saturday revealed that the verification portal is now functional.
The portal now displays a message stating, “Good news, verification requests are back online,” and further notes that the expiration dates for renewal applications will now be calculated based on the application date.
A confirmation of the portal’s reopening was received on Friday. Anthony Ijeoma, a nurse affiliated with Nursingworld Nigeria, also affirmed the reactivation. He expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in making this possible, and commended the NMCN for reopening the verification portal to accommodate both domestic and international nurses.
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Previously, the sudden deactivation of the portal in February had caused significant distress for numerous Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad. Without the required verification from NMCN, many nurses found themselves in violation of visa regulations and employment laws, leading to legal complications. This situation forced some nurses, including those in the UK and the US, to return to Nigeria.
Back in February, the NMCN released new guidelines for certificate verification requests. According to these guidelines, nurses and midwives were required to have at least two years of post-qualification experience, starting from the issuance date of their permanent practicing license. Additionally, a letter of good standing was to be requested from the applicant’s employer and their last training institution, which had to be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO of NMCN.
These new regulations sparked widespread petitions from state councils and chapters of NANNM in various states including Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Ebonyi, and Kaduna, among others. Protests were organized, and some even took legal action against the NMCN. However, the court case was later withdrawn.
On February 27, the Nigerian House of Representatives called on the NMCN to suspend its new guidelines for issuing verification certificates to nurses and midwives, pointing out concerns over how the council’s actions might hinder professionals seeking career opportunities abroad.
The reactivation of the portal follows an appeal made by NANNM to the Federal Government, urging it to address pressing concerns of the nursing community. NANNM’s National President, Michael Nnachi, listed key demands, which included reopening the verification portal, ensuring the payment of salaries to NMCN staff, constituting the council’s board, and creating a special salary structure for nurses or reviewing their professional allowances.
This development marks a significant relief for Nigerian nurses and midwives, especially those aspiring to work internationally.
Nigerian nurses, midwives excited as NMCN finally reactivates verification portal
(PUNCH)
Health
NAFDAC destroys N5bn fake, expired products in Aba
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)
Health
Eating fish regularly minimises risk of incurable hearing condition – Study
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
Health
Nigerian doctor claims increased s3xual activity lowers cancer risk for women
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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