The Federal Government says it is developing a National Trauma Care Policy that will provide a strategic framework for handling trauma cases in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, at a media conference to commemorate World Trauma Day.
World Trauma Day is commemorated globally on Oct. 17, with the aim of focusing on reducing the incidence of trauma in communities.
The 2024 celebration has “Workplace Injury: Prevention and Management” as a theme.
Represented by Dr Anuoma Ogbonnaya, Director, Federal Teaching Hospitals, Pate said that the policy being developed was in alignment with the Federal Government’s commitment to improving trauma care.
“This policy will cover all aspects of trauma care, from pre-hospital and emergency care to rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce.
“We aim to set a gold standard for trauma management, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to high-quality emergency care when it is needed.”
The minister said that globally, trauma remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, affecting millions each year.
Citing the World Health Organisation, he said that injuries and violence account for over 4.4 million deaths annually worldwide.
He added that these incidents not only lead to loss of life but also contribute substantially to disability and significant economic burdens due to lost productivity and medical costs.
“Injuries from traffic accidents falls, or workplace accidents are common, with low and middle-income countries bearing the brunt.
“These account for approximately 90 per cent of global injury-related deaths, highlighting the disparities in safety measures and healthcare capabilities across different regions.
“Turning our focus to Nigeria, the situation mirrors the global challenge but is exacerbated by specific local factors such as inadequate road safety measures, limited emergency care services, and occupational hazards in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.”
Pate said that as part of our efforts to strengthen trauma care, the ministry was in the process of establishing a dedicated clinic within it to offer Emergency Medical Services, including care for workplace injuries.
The clinic, he said, would be equipped to provide immediate care and supported by ambulances specifically prepared to handle trauma cases.
Speaking to the theme, he said that it underscores the crucial need to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s workforce.
The Permanent Secretary, Ms Daju Kachollom, said that workplace injuries could occur in any industry.
Represented by Dr Aderemi Azeez, Director and Head of the Speciality Hospital Division, Kachollom said it is the government’s duty to ensure that workplaces across Nigeria are safe, equipped, and well-prepared to prevent and manage these incidents.
“Prevention is our first line of defence. By raising awareness, implementing robust safety protocols, and ensuring quick access to emergency medical care, we can make workplaces safer for all Nigerians.
“Let us renew our commitment to reducing workplace injuries through proactive prevention and robust management strategies.”
Mr Atabo Oloche, the Chief Search Rescue Officer, National Emergency Management Authority, said that the burden of trauma is highest in Africa and that the experience from trauma could be life-threatening, life-deforming, and most times, life-changing.
According to him, there are physical, psychological, emotional, and financial aspects of trauma.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that persons with relevant training, experience, and qualifications man the various trauma hospitals and trauma centres that have been established.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Trauma Day is dedicated to fostering empathy, resilience, and support for trauma survivors.
NAN
