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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged stronger collaboration with medical professionals to expand and improve paediatric surgical services across the region.
Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud made this commitment during the opening of the 24th annual general meeting of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria, Abuja chapter.
According to a statement by her media aide, Austine Elemue, she emphasised the vital role paediatric surgeons play in protecting children’s health, describing their work as marked by “compassion, precision, and resilience” that significantly contribute to the nation’s well-being.
Acknowledging current challenges, she said: “We face constraints such as limited infrastructure and shortages of skilled manpower, but we are optimistic about leveraging technological innovations, enhanced training and government reforms.”
The minister promised to foster closer cooperation with professional bodies, stating, “Our goal is to expand access to quality healthcare and improve referral systems, ensuring timely surgical interventions for children not only in urban centres but also in rural communities.”
Mahmoud also praised the association’s efforts in training, research and mentorship, urging participants to prioritise preventive care and stronger linkages among healthcare providers to reduce late diagnoses and treatment delays. She called on the attendees to develop practical solutions and actionable policies, affirming her office’s willingness to maintain open dialogue to elevate child health services in the FCT and beyond.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Philip Mshelbwala, highlighted the urgent need for more paediatric surgeons, citing alarming specialist-to-patient ratios.
“In the FCT and Nasarawa State alone, there are just 15 paediatric surgeons serving a combined population of about 4.3 million people, half of whom are children,” he said. “This falls far below the benchmarks set by the World Health Organization.”
Mshelbwala assured that the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria remains unwavering in its dedication to addressing this gap through knowledge sharing, mentorship and collaborative problem-solving.
