Quit notice: 900 doctors, nurses, others may lose jobs in FCT – Newstrends
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Quit notice: 900 doctors, nurses, others may lose jobs in FCT

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No fewer than 900 health workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may lose their jobs.

This is because the FCT Administration (FCTA), has given the managers of the Garki Hospital a month notice to vacate the facility.

The Nation reports that this move by the government was as a result of the expiration of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the NISA Premier-the current managers of Garki Hospital and the FCTA.

The concession agreement for the PPP was signed between the NISA Premier and the FCTA in 2007 for a period of 15 years.

Further findings revealed that aside from the percentage given to the FCT Administration at the end of every year when the hospital management declares profit, NISA Premier has paid the total annual concession fees, rent on quarters and all other payments stipulated on the agreement to the tune of N406 million since the beginning of the agreement.

However, the FCT Administration, on March 1, this year, gave the hospital management notice to vacate and hand over the facility to it on April 1, 2022.

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The Nation reports that over 900 workers, including 21 consultants, 113 medical doctors, 24 house officers, 159 nurses, 96 patient-care attendants, pharmacists, medical record officers, laboratory scientists and other technicians, currently work at the hospital.

Some source who spoke with The Nation explained that after the agreement was signed, the FCT Administration removed all equipment in the then General Hospital. NISA Premier had to start equipping the hospital from scratch. Currently, all equipment in the hospital is owned by NISA Premier.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has, however, urged the FCT Administration to consider renewing the concession agreement between it and the hospital managers because of the sterling medical services the hospital has offered residents over the years.

The FCT chapter Chairman of the NMA, Dr Enema Amodu said: “Apart from the over 900 workers, there are patients that are on long term intensive care that will require suitable arrangements so that they continue to receive life-saving medications.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Media and Strategic Communication, Malam Abubakar Sani called for calm. According to him, there is no crisis between the FCT Administration and the management of NISA Premier.

The Nation

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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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