The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, in Lagos, has commenced a specialist foot and ankle surgical training and free medical outreach, in collaboration with Steps2Walk and the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation (GHCTF). The five-day programme, which began on August 10, attracted an international faculty of orthopaedic specialists from the United States, United Kingdom, Türkiye, and Pakistan.
The programme is designed to transfer skills and knowledge to Nigerian healthcare professionals, enabling them to replicate what they learn in their hospitals, and reduce the number of Nigerians who travel abroad for treatment. Medical Director of NOHIL, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, described the collaboration as 'a major opportunity to strengthen specialist capacity and improve access to advanced foot and ankle care in Nigeria.'
The Foot and Ankle Surgical Course, held at the Pavilion Hall, featured lectures, clinical case presentations, and interactive sessions ahead of about 30 live surgical procedures scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Representing Steps2Walk, Dr. John Lewis Ugbo said his organisation remains committed to improving the management of orthopaedic deformities among children and adults in developing countries.
The programme has already benefited over 400 patients, with many more expected to receive medical care before its conclusion. Beneficiaries have received free screening for hypertension, diabetes, prostate health, high cholesterol, malaria, and hepatitis B, as well as eye examinations. Free medications were also provided, while beneficiaries requiring continued care have been linked to the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.
The medical outreach continues today at the General Hospital, Somolu, where members of the public are expected to benefit from free health screening and other medical services. Dr. Adebayo Akintobi, representing GHCTF, commended NOHIL's leadership and volunteers for their commitment to the outreach, praising their compassion and dedication to the beneficiaries.
The initiative is a significant collaboration between NOHIL, Steps2Walk, and GHCTF, with the goal of establishing a long-term partnership to provide specialist training, medical supplies, and participation of international experts in future programmes.
The programme aims to change the approach to the management of orthopaedic deformities through early identification, appropriate treatment, and training. According to Ugbo, 'about three out of every 1,000 births are affected by congenital clubfoot, while delayed or inappropriate treatment can result in lifelong disability and other complications.'
The initiative is a positive step towards improving access to quality healthcare in Nigeria, especially in the area of orthopaedic care. With the training of Nigerian specialists and the provision of free medical care, the programme aims to make a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians with foot deformities.
The programme's focus on early intervention, specialist training, and sustainable capacity building is a welcome approach to addressing the burden of untreated foot deformities in Nigeria. By strengthening specialist capacity and improving access to advanced foot and ankle care, the programme aims to make a lasting impact on the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
With the collaboration between NOHIL, Steps2Walk, and GHCTF, the programme has the potential to be a model for future healthcare initiatives in Nigeria, focusing on early intervention, specialist training, and sustainable capacity building.
The programme's impact will be felt not only in Lagos but across the country, as trained specialists will be able to provide quality care to patients with foot deformities in their respective hospitals. This will reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment and improve access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.
The programme's focus on providing free medical care to over 400 patients is a testament to the commitment of NOHIL, Steps2Walk, and GHCTF to improving access to quality healthcare in Nigeria. With the provision of free screening, medications, and linkages to the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, the programme aims to make a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians with foot deformities.