Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Joining the rest of the global community to commemorate World Trauma Day, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare has affirmed its commitment to protect the health and well- being of our workforce, as well as reducing incidence of trauma in our communities.
The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed this at a Press Briefing, held today, to commemorate World Trauma Day under the theme ” Workplace Injury: Prevention and Management” at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. This was contained in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Head, Information and Public Relations.
Prof. Pate, represented by Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, Director Teaching Hospitals, explained that World Trauma Day, besides raising awareness about the multifaceted impact of trauma on mental and physical well -being; the Federal Ministry of Health has initiated proactive initiatives on prevention to immediate care and Rehabilitation in Nigeria.
To this end, the Honourable Minister highlighted the significance of the World Trauma Day theme: which underscores the crucial need to protect the health and well- being of our workforce. Workplace injuries, he stated, not only impact individuals and families but also bear considerable consequences for our economy and society as a whole.
Buttressing further, he said that globally, trauma remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity affecting millions each year.
”According to the World Health Organization, injuries and violence account for over 4.4 million deaths annually worldwide, which is about 8% of all deaths globally. ”
Speaking on initiatives being implemented to address and strengthen trauma care for work place injuries in the country, Prof Pate asserted that the Ministry will establish a dedicated clinic within the Ministry to offer Emergency Medical Services, including care for workplace injuries.
” Moreover, beyond the walls of the Ministry, we have worked to improve emergency medical services on a national scale. The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee NEMTC, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU on the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport RESMAT scheme”, the Honourable Minister added.
Also as part of government efforts to improving trauma care, he said a National Trauma Care Policy is being developed to provide a strategic framework for handling trauma cases, covering pre- hospital and emergency care to rehabilitation and re-integration into the workforce.
On prevention strategy, the Honourable Minister affirmed that the Ministry is dedicated to promoting workplace safety across all sectors.
“These include advocating for the implementation of safety protocols, provision of adequate training for employees on safe practices , and regular assessments to minimize hazards. Prevention , as we know, is the most effective way to motivate trauma, and by investing in these preventive measures , we can reduce the burden of workplace injuries significantly “, the Coordinating Minister noted.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom mni, represented by Dr Azeez Aderemi Director Specialty Hospital, stated that World Trauma Day is another clarion call to renew our commitment to reducing workplace injuries through proactive prevention and robust management strategies.
In attendance at the Briefing, were representatives of government agencies who delivered goodwill messages- these include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, International Committe of the Red Cross, National Orthopedic Association of Nigeria and Directorate of Road Transport Services VIO.
END
