The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has urged the Federal Government to establish more specialised trauma centres to treat victims across the country.
The call was made in a statement jointly signed by the NMA’s National President, Dr Francis Faduyile; his General-Secretary, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote; and Dr Kunle Olawepo, the Chairman, Road Safety and Trauma Service Committee.
The statement said: “Government at all levels should as an emergency and social responsibility commence an overhaul of Nigerian roads to reduce the carnage of massive loss of lives on Nigerian roads.”
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The statement noted that October 17 annually, is designated as World Trauma Day by the World Health Organisation in recognition of the enormity of trauma in causing disability and death especially in the young, productive and economically viable age group.
“This day also emphasises prevention and best treatment protocol when trauma occurs,” the statement added.
According to the statement, globally the number of fatalities arising from trauma annually is conservatively estimated to be about 5.8 million; more than the figures from malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS put together.
“In addition to these deaths, between 20 million and 50 million people globally are estimated to be injured or disabled each year,” it said.
The statement said that the burden of trauma on the world economy was enormous, adding that developing countries such as Nigeria, with enormous resources are under strain from trauma.
It listed causes of trauma to include shooting, burglary, sexual assault, building collapses, flooding and plane crashes.
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According to the statement, effect of trauma causes traumatic brain injury, severe blood loss and loss of consciousness, among others.
NMA, therefore, called on government officials to enforce road vehicular, aviation and maritime safety measures to reduce road, air and ship accidents.
“Drivers and riders should ensure their vehicles are in optimal working conditions and adhere to speed limits and other safety measures on the highways.
“We call for increased security presence and provision of state-of-the-art security gadgets in all nooks and crannies of the country to stem restlessness, militancy, insurgency, strife and wars in all parts of the nation,” it said.
NAN
