AfriPulse
September 11, 2025 September 11, 2025
By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud has urged paediatric surgeons to focus on practical solutions and actionable recommendations to enhance policy and clinical practice.
Speaking at the opening of the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (Abuja Chapter) on Thursday, she said her office is keen on dialogue to improve child health services in the FCT and beyond
In a statement issued by Austine Elemue, Special Assistant on media to the minister, pledged the FCT Administration’s commitment to advancing paediatric surgical care.
She emphasized the critical role paediatric surgeons play in safeguarding children’s health, highlighting the speciality’s compassion, precision, and resilience in contributing to national well-being.
Mahmoud, who acknowledged the challenges facing the healthcare system, including limited infrastructure and skilled manpower shortages, also recognised opportunities through technological innovation, improved training, and government reforms.
The minister assured of close collaboration with professional bodies to expand access to quality healthcare and improve referral systems, ensuring timely surgical interventions for children across urban and rural areas.
She, however, commended the association’s dedication to training, research, and mentorship and stressed the importance of preventive care through stronger linkages among healthcare professionals to reduce late presentation of conditions.
The statement reads,” I urge participants to focus on practical solutions and actionable recommendations to enhance policy and clinical practice.
“My office is open to ongoing dialogue to improve child health services in the FCT and beyond” Statement said.
In his remarks, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Philip Mshelbwala said Nigeria faces a critical shortage of paediatric surgeons, with an alarming ratio of specialists to patients that demand urgent attention.
He said, ‘As a case in point, the FCT and Nasarawa State have 15 paediatric surgeons for a combined population of approximately 4.3 million, with half being children.
“This falls well below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.”
Mshelbwala, assured of the unwavering commitment of the Association to bridge the gap through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving.
Source: Authorityngr.com | Read the Full Story…
