UNIMED advocates deployment of technology, innovation

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State, has advocated the deployment of technology and innovation for transformation of medical care in Nigeria.

This call was made at the opening ceremony of the second faculty of Clinical Sciences conference held at the Laje Campus of the institution.

Showcasing the remarkable transformation that can occur in medical care at the conference, aptly themed “Transforming Medical Care in Nigeria through Technology and Innovation”, the keynote speaker, Dr Hammed Ninalowo, a US trained Double- boarded Diagnostic and Vascular/ Interventional Radiologist chronicled how he and his team have been able to deliver Interventional Radiology care to Nigerian and Sub-Sahara African patients.

He showcased how technology transfer and up skilling have helped not only to record many firsts by his team, but to localize their global expertise by using local team to carry out their operations, thereby limiting capital flight from Nigeria.

Dr Ninalowo’s presentation showed that he has pioneered many procedures in Nigeria and West Africa including the first Transjugular Portosystemic shunt, first mechanical thrombectomy for stroke, first prostate artery embolization, first endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm, first Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC for Retinoblastoma).

“In the last 24 months, we have treated 29 irons in about 27 patients. 23 out of the 27 of these patients are fully recovered. If you look at the local surgical data, where the mortality rate is about 47 percent, we are doing much better now,” he said.

While welcoming participants to the conference, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe emphasized the need for inclusive leadership.

According to her “Diversity, equity and inclusion must not be afterthoughts; they must be embedded into the very foundation of our healthcare transformation.”

The Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Oluseyi Adejumo explained why UNIMED, as the premier University of medical sciences is taking the lead in the deployment of technology and innovation to medical care in Nigeria.

He said, “This gathering is coming at a time when the world is rapidly progressing in technological interventions and artificial intelligence. The healthcare space is not left out and it has become clear more than ever, that technology has numerous and vital roles to play in the practice of medicine, in this current age. We must therefore leverage on these potentials and innovations to improve our healthcare delivery system if we do not want to be left behind.”