FG Working To Improve Access To ENT Healthcare Services – THISDAYLIVE

* Pledges support for training, equipment, infrastructure to tackle hearing loss, brain drain

* Says Nigeria can hardly boast of 500 ENT surgeons

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to ear, nose and throat (ENT) healthcare services across Nigeria.

He called for urgent action to upgrade Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, with a specific focus on ENT care to address the rising cases of hearing loss and shortage of specialised medical personnel in the field.

Shettima stated this when he played host to

a delegation from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON) led by its President, Prof. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the State House, Abuja.

The vice-president specifically told the team that President Bola Tinubu is determined to tackle key challenges in the ENT sector, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of equipment and a growing wave of medical brain drain.

According to him, “A huge chunk of our population suffers from hearing ailments, but due to social stigmatisation, many are reluctant to come forward for treatment. The challenges you are highlighting are real, and the government is committed to going beyond cosmetic interventions.”

Shettima acknowledged the critical shortage of ENT specialists nationwide, saying there may not be up to 500 ENT surgeons in the country if immediate action is not taken. 

His words: “That is the reality we face today. Even our young doctors are migrating to Europe and other regions, but we are working to create an enabling environment for them here.”

He emphasised that government support will not only focus on acquiring equipment but will also prioritise the training, welfare and retention of medical professionals in the field.

“The problem goes beyond equipment. Procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would amount to nothing,” the vice-president added, urging ORLSON to continue investing in the training of new specialists.

In recognition of his support for the sector, Shettima was conferred with the honourary title of “Ambassador of the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria” by Kodiya.

Earlier, Kodiya drew Shettima’s attention to the alarming global and national statistics on hearing loss, describing it as a growing public health crisis. 

He cited data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicating that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people globally will experience some degree of hearing loss, with over 700 million requiring rehabilitation.

“This condition imposes an estimated global financial burden of over $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity, healthcare costs and social exclusion,” he said.

Kodiya also noted that Nigeria’s National Policy and Strategic Plan for Ear and Hearing Care, launched in 2019, expired in 2023 without full implementation, calling it a missed opportunity to develop a sustainable hearing health framework.

He reiterated ORLSON’s readiness to partner with the government, private sector and international organisations to reduce the burden of hearing loss and improve access to quality ENT services in the country.