NTS Urges FG To Prioritise Health Funding, Modernise Hospitals
The Nigerian Thoracic Society (NTS) has urged the Federal Government to significantly increase investments in health-sector funding, hospital infrastructure, and regional medical facilities to improve respiratory care across the country.
In a communiqué issued at the close of its 32nd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Lagos, the society called for the establishment of fully equipped regional centres of excellence to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and research in respiratory medicine.
The statement, signed by NTS President Musa Babashani and Secretary General Abiona Odeyemi, emphasized that upgrading hospital infrastructure is critical to addressing Nigeria’s rising burden of respiratory diseases.
The NTS also encouraged hospital administrators to improve documentation practices to produce reliable local data that can support the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
With the conference themed “Harnessing Technology to Advance Equitable Respiratory Care in Nigeria,” participants—including physicians, researchers, and public health experts from within and outside the country—examined how technology and AI can reshape respiratory and critical care services.
Delegates acknowledged that while AI offers valuable support in diagnosis and treatment, it cannot replace healthcare professionals.
A sub-theme of the conference focused on public enlightenment and key drivers of respiratory diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The communiqué identified persistent challenges such as high tobacco use, increasing lung cancer cases, limited access to quality healthcare, and low health-insurance coverage. It also noted that many Nigerians lack adequate emergency-response skills, highlighting the need for widespread CPR training and stronger public health education.
Reiterating its position, the NTS called for more robust public-awareness campaigns against tobacco use, describing current tobacco-control efforts as inadequate.
The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, was represented by his Special Adviser on Technical Matters, David Atuwo. The keynote address was delivered by Christian Bime, Division Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA.