The Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) has expressed worry that millions of Nigeria, especially those living in rural communities do not have access to eyecare services.
President of the Society, Dr. Abiola Oyeleye made this known on Friday, during the opening ceremony of the 49th Annual General Meeting and 48th Scientific Conference of the society with the theme: The Evolving Face of Ophthalmology.
In his address, Oyeleye said that it was worrying that Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people only has over 700 Ophthalmologists attending to the eyecare needs of the citizens.
“Most of these Ophthalmologists work in the cities, as a result, the rural population, who have eyecare needs are not able to access care” she said.
He explained that at the heart of the challenge is the widespread desire by health workers to exit the country in search of better working conditions, adding that the way out will be for the government to improve the welfare conditions of healthcare workers generally, provide equipment so that practice can be more fulfilling and also ensure that there is security for workers.
Earlier, the Local Organising Chairman of the conference, Nkiru Akaraiwe explained that the theme was informed by the need to bring ophthalmologist in the country up to speed with the current realities in terms of technological advancements that make work easier.
In his address, Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that his administration remains committed to healthcare delivery across the state, hence its decision to embark on the construction of a 250-bed ultramodern quaternary health facility to be known as the Enugu International Hospital.
Highpoints of the event was the Induction of 34 graduates from the West African College of Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria into the OSN.
Gideon Arinze
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