The Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON) has called for the inclusion of cardiac and thoracic surgeries in health insurance schemes.
The association made the call Sunday in a statement to mark this year’s World Heart Day.
The World Heart Day is marked on September 29 every year. The theme of this year’s commemoration is
‘Use Heart for Action’.
The statement was signed by the President of the association, Prof. Anietimfon U Etiuma, LOC chairman/ Vice President Prof. Stanley Ukadike Okugbo, and the National Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Delia.
The association said the government should sponsor through a special intervention fund, an annual quota of 1, 000 cardiovascular surgery cases per annum, and that it should be done in Nigeria through the insurance platform to enhance accessibility to critical surgical interventions.
ACTSON said the dependency on imported consumables in cardiac surgery has led to increased costs with current exchange rate surges of the Naira.
It said to mitigate this, there is an urgent need for government subsidies on consumables and waivers on import duties to ensure affordability and accessibility of cardiac surgery services to numerous Nigerians in dire need.
It said, “Tertiary centers demonstrating capacity in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery should be strengthened, funded, and incentivized. This will facilitate the provision of high-quality surgical care and contribute to the overall advancement of the specialty and keep them in the service of the nation.”
The association said encouraging the training of cardiothoracic surgeons across the country is essential to ensure comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular and thoracic surgical services nationwide, adding that this will address the shortage of specialists and improve access to care for patients in underserved regions.
“The cadre of perfusionists plays a vital role in cardiovascular surgery, and the government should formally recognize their contributions. Certification and training programmes for perfusionists should be documented and supported to uphold standards of care,”it said.
While saying that there was need for increased public awareness campaigns regarding preventive measures and early detection of cardiovascular diseases, ACTSON
said it has resolved to advocate for improved access to quality cardiovascular and thoracic surgical care across all regions of Nigeria; ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.
“The need for mentorship in nurturing the next generation of cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons who will be encouraged to remain and practice in Nigeria was concluded.
“The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery through continued professional development, training, and research initiatives. Emphasis was placed on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to address complex cardiovascular and thoracic conditions comprehensively,” it said in the statement.
The association also highlighted that its 6th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference took place at Benin City, Edo State earlier in the year, and brought together distinguished national and international expert practitioners, academics/trainers, and full composite subspecialty practitioners in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery team as well as major industry stakeholders and supporters.
“Noteworthy research findings and clinical experiences were shared, contributing to the enhancement of knowledge and skills among participants including specialist consultant cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anesthetists, perfusionists, nurses, resident doctors, and students,” the association said in the statement.
It said special attention was given to the impact of the economic challenges including exchange rate of the naira on the importation of cardiovascular surgery equipment, appliances and consumables, “Japa” syndrome on cardiovascular and thoracic surgery practice, while highlighting adaptation strategies and lessons learned.
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