Health
UI clinic shut after patient tests positive for COVID-19
The University of Ibadan has closed its health cenre, Jaja Clinic, after one patient tested positive for the coronavirus.
The institution, which stated this in a statement on Tuesday, added the clinic would remain shut for one week.
It stated that the patient, whose name was not disclosed, had first visited the clinic on December 11, but was admitted overnight between Sunday and Monday.
It said the Oyo State emergency operations centre (EOC) had been notified, and the premises decontaminated.
“The university community is hereby informed that a client who was first seen on 10 December and later admitted in the University Health Centre overnight of 13/14 December tested positive to COVID-19,” the statement read.
“The Oyo State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was notified, inspected the premises, and recommended among other things the following: Immediate disinfection/decontamination of the premises which has been done; follow-up of all those who had contact with the client by the EOC; closure of clinic from 4pm, 15 December 2020 for a seven-day period.
“Opening will be subject to review by the Oyo State EOC. Beyond closure, the EOC is working with the UHS to ensure that all processes for safe work are put in place.
“NHIS enrollees may access care at Eleyele Police clinic during the closure. Meanwhile, the COVID19 positive person is being attended to and there should be no panic.”
Health
Poisonous fluorides in toothpaste: Pharmacists counter televangelist’s claims
Poisonous fluorides in toothpaste: Pharmacists counter televangelist’s claims
Pharmacists have refuted recent claims made by a popular pastor that fluorides in food, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products are poisonous and carcinogenic.
While acknowledging the pastor’s spiritual influence, the pharmacists provided crucial scientific clarity, asserting that fluoride, when used in approved quantities by regulatory bodies, is safe and beneficial for public health.
The pharmacists, on the platform of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, made the clarifications, weekend.
Their intervention comes in response to trending videos where the religious leader vehemently condemned the pharmaceutical industry over the inclusion of fluorides in various consumer products.
Scientific facts
In a statement by the National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the pharmacists said: “We at ACPN will not attempt to tackle the pastor’s anointing in God’s word.
“But (we) will clarify with some scientific insight and background that the pastor’s exposition on fluorides was not totally in alignment with scientific facts.
“The ‘Use of Fluorides in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Foods’ declared: ‘Fluorides used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate food and drug regulatory agencies are safe’.
READ ALSO:
- Police raid criminal camps, recover food items in Anambra
- Oba Owoade crowned Alaafin of Oyo
- A colleague raped me, Actress Lolo 1 alleges
“In strictly public health interest, the ACPN wishes to posit as follows: Fluoride used in approved quantities by the relevant and appropriate Food and Drug regulatory agencies are safe.
“While some researchers have indeed linked Fluoride with some cancers, oftentimes such incidences have been proven to be in instances where excessive amounts beyond the approved limits were used.”
Health
Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties
Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties
Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products
President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.
The NCS’ spokesman said: “Critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.”
The statement added that the exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents and packaging materials.
READ ALSO:
- Ex-Kano emir Bayero cancels Sallah durbar amid tension
- Poland suspends migrants’ right to apply for asylum
- Trump slaps 25% tariffs on car imports to US
- Reps pass bill to strip Vice President, governors, deputies of immunity
Maiwada said to ensure that these fiscal incentives are fully utilised, eligibility is limited to manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provided they possess a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Experts speak
Experts said the implementation of the Executive Order would address the skyrocketing cost of medicines.
A former National Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Iyiola Gbolagade, in a chat with our correspondent, described the implementation of the Executive Order as commendable, saying it would lead to reduction of prices some locally manufactured medicines like antibiotics and antimalarial drugs.
A former chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) FCT chapter, Pharmacist Eneojo Made, said the implementation of Zero VAT and exercise duties on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are used to produce medicines, would boost the production of essential medicines for various categories of diseases thereby enhancing availability and access to them in the country.
A former National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kenneth Edeh Ujah, said, “When the cost of production of medicines at various stages is lower, of course, it is going to have that direct impact on the eventual cost of the medicine when people visit the pharmacy to buy their drugs.”
Also, Prof Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate past president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the potential for success in the order was boosted because specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, essential raw materials required for manufacturing of crucial products, including drugs, long lasting insecticidal bed nets, rapid diagnostic kits and others.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had, in a statement, said the Executive Order is a significant milestone, as it opens the door for local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to begin fully benefiting from the relief measures outlined by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Executive Order
Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties
Health
Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery
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.”
READ ALSO:
- How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak – Prison spokesman
- Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike
- Aviation workers threaten nationwide airports shutdown over Customs officer assault
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
-
Education1 day agoErudite mass comm lecturer Oscar Odiboh becomes full professor at Delta State University
-
metro2 days agoAutopsy reveals cause of Nigerian boxer death during fight in Ghana
-
Entertainment2 days agoA colleague raped me, Actress Lolo 1 alleges
-
metro2 days agoScavenger killed, many injured as military grenade explodes in Lagos
-
Sports2 days agoWife of Manchester United goalkeeper, Onana, robbed of £62,000 handbag, Rolex
-
metro24 hours agoNurse leaves US, seeks new life in Nigeria, says everything not money
-
metro1 day agoBreaking: Former Oyo governor Olunloyo dies at 89
-
International2 days agoTrump: VOA goes off air in Nigeria, Ghana, others
You must be logged in to post a comment Login