Association of Resident Doctors 2014 AGM/ Scientific conference

Resident Doctors your annual conference is here!! Do not miss out!! Lol

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs dies at 66years..

Late Dr Gbenga Ashiru

Former Minister Olugbenga Ashiru passed on yesterday at a South African hospital after battle with illness.

Family sources told The Cable, that he had to be hospitalised  for over 3 month following a brain tumour.

May his soul rest in peace. So sad!!

West Africa College of Surgeons 4th Health Management and Ethics

DoctorsQuarter Blog (DQB) readers, this is to whom it may concern - apply abeg!

Medical System with No Leadership. 2.

Read what the American Nurses Association have to say about the job description of a nurse:

• Perform physical exams and health histories
• Provide health promotion, counseling and education
• Administer medications, wound care, and numerous other personalized interventions
• Interpret patient information and make critical decisions about needed actions
• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of healthcare professionals
• Direct and supervise care delivered by other healthcare personnel like LPNs and nurse aides
• Conduct research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes

In my Medical System with No Leadership,i put forward the role of key players in the care patients.

I decided to choose American Association because of our flare for anything American. Now read what the  Health Force Ontario has to say about role of Doctors in its domain;
  

"Doctors work to improve the health and well-being of individuals. A physician evaluates symptoms, runs tests to diagnose a patient’s condition and then prescribes medication or treatment to remedy the illness or injury. A physician also counsels patients and/or members of the community on how to prevent illness".

   I have always believed that any sector without a leadership is set for doom, as there can only be a captain in a ship. Medical Doctors were not born doctors but had to go through a rigorous process of training to ultimately be solely responsible for the care of a patient.

All health professional must know the scope of their training; then full concentration must be given to that scope so that the patient gains ultimately. Government must provide leadership to end this saga, that seems to be unending.

 Since respect is reciprocal and must be given to those who truly deserve it, then, any action plotted to bring down another equally professional group, only means that vicious cycle of hate would still be a constant finding in the health care system.

 THE PATIENTS NEED A BREAK!!!

 By Emeka Okolo. H.
 08134891180
 dremini2003@yahoo.com

Medical System with no Leadership.

The battle for leadership in the health care system have really taken a different turn in recent past. From one strike onto another, the health system leaves the patient in more agony. I have listened and read a lot about this unending saga, and yet still feel resolute that there is a solution.

For the sake of my readers who are totally new to the ongoing war between doctors and other health workers, I would like to explain some terms.

JOHESU, is acronym for Joint Health Sector Union, describes the union formed by every other health worker in a hospital setting that is not a doctor of medicine. In other words, JOHESU is made up of other health professional groups other than Nigeria Medical Association.

NMA, means Nigeria Medical Association - the umbrella body for all Doctors of Medicine (and associated sub groups like the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, Association of Resident Doctors, ARD)

Basically, the fight for supremacy is between JOHESU and NMA. I would prefer not going the way of past writers on this issue. I would rather like to look at the broader picture, which is the patient. Accusations and counter-accusations have gone from one camp to the other, but still no solution at the end.

Read what the American Pharmacist association has to say about the place of a pharmacist in the hospital:
 "Hospital pharmacists interact with nurses and physicians in their positions.  Often, they do not work directly with the patient, but rather with the other health care providers to optimize the patient’s therapy.  In some hospitals, however, there are opportunities for pharmacists to see patients by rounding with physicians and nurses".

Read what Wikipedia has to say about the role of a medical laboratory scientist in a healthcare delivery;
  A Medical Laboratory Scientist's role is to provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner. An estimated 60 percent to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.

Read what the American Nurses Association have to say about the job description of a nurse;.... more later

Spot the Difference

I saw close to 7 differences!! How many did you see?

New 15-minute Ebola Test

In one of my previous post, I promised to bring details about the new Ebola diagnostic tool (read more>). Led by researchers at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal, the new test is to be deployed using a 'mobile suitcase laboratory', which is designed for settings where there are few resources.

The portable lab includes a solar panel, a power pack and a result reader, the size of a small laptop. The reagent substance used in the test are available as dried pellets, meaning they can be used and transported at room temperature.

The pilot trail will test whether the reagent substance is safe and effective to use with Ebola patients' blood and saliva samples.

Dr Val Snewin, international activities manager at the Wellcome Trust, said: 'A reliable, 15-minute test that can confirm cases of Ebola would be a key tool for effective management of the Ebola outbreak - allowing patients to be identified, isolated and cared for as soon as possible.

'It not only gives patients a better chance at survival, but it prevents transmission of the virus to other people.

'This pilot study is particularly promising because researchers have considered how to make the test suitable for use in remote field hospitals, where resources - such as electricity and cold storage - are often in short supply'

    WIsh the researchers God's speed!!!

Nigeria moves towards total eradication of Poliomyelitis...

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease cause by the polio virus. The disease is spread faeco-orally, between individuals. The disease is characterised by the muscle weakness, especially weakness of the legs and less commonly muscles of the diaphragm, head or neck.
  It is generally a crippling condition. Patients do recover after management. But a post polio syndrome may occur: this involves development of a progressive muscle weakness, similar to the initial infection.
 Prevention has been the major thrust of the WHO in curbing Poliomyelitis. Here in Nigeria, the National Programme on immunisation prescibes immunization of infants with Oral Polio Vaccine given at birth, 6weeks, 10weeks of life. The immunization seems to be moving Nigeria towards eradication of the virus.
 The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced Nigeria as making serious progress in eradication of polio (read more)..
 Nigeria's eradication would mean a lot for the continent and for her peoples.

Outsider volunteer account of the irrational fear that goes with Ebola..

I saw this piece and I thought it would make a good read. This proves my belief that the whole Ebola scare, was overblown. Read more.... I totally agree with him!

Re: How I survived cancer- Wole Soyinka

When the news broke about the health status of Nobel laureate winner, Prof Wole Soyinka, the country was startled. Listen to what he said at the press conference held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State; "For me, this is not a decision which I like but I felt I have all obligation, being a member of African Cancer Centre, and also having even donated a performance during the festival, fund raising for cancer, I am under obligation to make it known and to also demystify cancer,” he said.

“Many people feel it is a death sentence. Family feel it; friends, colleagues, they begin to look at you as if you are a ghost once there is rumour you have cancer. No, cancer is not a death sentence, it is curable, I have undergone the treatment and I am able to tell you that I even have a model, that’s my certificate.”
 To say the least, I was impressed. Looking at it from a medical stand point, he presented quite early and so stood a better chance to survive the condition. I have always believed in that old medical dictum which says,"early presentation is key".
 Hear what he has to say about Cancer facilities in the country; “The important thing is that I am convinced that we have enough funds in this nation to build cancer centres, including research that this nation require,” he said. “It is very capital intensive, some of it, but there are many ways and treatments for cancer just like there are many kinds of cancer. Even diet forms an important part. Diet is critical.”

 I do hope his gesture would spur more people to early presentation and testing. For only then would we keep at bay preventable deaths.
   See more photos of the younger Prof;

Patronizing the Unlicensed..

Fake Professionals

   In the words of Prof Alex Dodoo, who monitors patients safety for the World Health Organisation and have dealt with quacks for so many years, points out explicitly: "If one is not licensed by the state, anything that one does is illegal. Going to see them is dangerous. Period. Would you sit in an aeroplane where the pilot says 'OK hello, I'm the pilot, but I've not been licensed!' No way! You put your health at risk and you can die."
  I cannot agree less. Just recently, I had a first experience, yet again, of the problems caused by unlicensed individuals (quacks). This particular incident, like the others I have seen, tell of the same systematic failure. Also read this live story by Al Jazeera investigators of this menace, at the end of this post.
 The government have a large chunk in the whole decay, so does 'poverty', and then fake professionals. Every street in major towns across Nigeria, have one form of 'quackery' or another.
 
 I had to ask a senior doctor in our facility, his view on the topic. He tried navigating his way around it, but I was least impressed. I sensed resignation in his tone, being in a system that seems to be retrogressive in character. But I draw solace from the fact that some genuine efforts are being made by, not only government agencies, private citizens to clip the wings of this menace.  (see here>)
  

Ebola new improved test tools gives result in 15-minutes

It's really good news to hear that there are new diagnostic tools that gives result in 15 minutes. From experience, this has been a bane in the prompt treatment of a disease.
 The new diagnostic tool is set to be trailled in Guinea, the epicentre of the current outbreak.
 
Details soon...

State Doctors Protests non payment of salaries...

With other health workers on strike and Lagos state Doctors protesting, the patient's suffer.
 I learnt the doctors have not been payed since june/july. Also, the protest is about the non-employment of new residents in the hospital. Doctors call it "embargo". See more picture after the cut...

Looking Good, means Hard Work

Lose the excess baggage

A DoctorsQuarter's Blog reader sent me an email, requesting I suggest a good site that provides slimming therapy for a guy. I know males and females alike have  similar metabolic processes. So, I believe, this link would give that DQB reader all that he ever wanted.(Read Here>)
    It is a medically sound, interesting read. Enjoy.

Outbreak of Bubonic plague in Madagascar spreads to the island's capital

Bubonic plague destroying soft tissues

I posted an account of the Bubonic plague on the Island country of Madagascar see here>. The outbreak still ravages households as it spreads to the capital of Antananarivo. The World Health Organisation last week, said 40 people had died as a result of the plague, which was first identified in August.
     Note that spread to humans is by fleas but the plague mostly affects rats. The United Nations health agency has said that the situation in the country is more worrisome because of a high level of resistance to insecticides targeting Fleas. According to The international Committee of The Red Cross, the country has recorded on average 500 cases of plague every year since 2009.
Bubonic plague, otherwise known as The Black Death killed around 100million people during the 14th century.

It is caused by a bacterium known as Yersinia pestis, which uses the flea as a host and is usually transmitted to humans via rats.

Clinical manifestations include gangrene and the appearance of large swellings on the groin, armpits or neck, known as 'buboes'.

Bubonic plague has almost completely vanished from developed world, with over 90 percent of all cases now found in Africa.

Woman with three breast!

This pix keeps popping up on my browser. She is Jasmine Tridevil, who got a third breast implant. Her reason for opting for a third implant? She never wants to date, ever again!!! So, what do you think guys? Does this scare you or what?
    See more pics below...

Stereotype routine!!! Medical Student perspective

 Medical school has its perks and downsides. I remembered my first day at medical school, it was exhilarating to say the least. I practically felt my head swoon in my first class. The work load is kind of crazy but we have been made to know that it is a necessary "evil".
   The daily routine of a typical medical student, under which I believe I belong, is triangular. Hostel to Classroom to Church or Mosque, then back to the Hostel. But this routine, though not exclusive, seems to be threatened. With the boom in use of smart phones, my routine seems to be going down the drain.
    According to a study done to access the effect of smart phone on female medical users (Read here>) the conclusion is clear: with the associated health hazards in smart phone use there is an increased tendency of risky behaviours among medical students. For me, I believe my concentration rate has reduced marginally, but I still do believe smart phone use is a necessary evil.

Minister of Petroleum, Madam Alison now OPEC Chairman

Congrats, Madam.

Kisses!! Medically sound

People who kiss more often have similar bacteria culture in their mouth. When we kiss, rouhly 80 million bacteria transfer between us and our partner, introducing new and sometimes beneficial bacteria into our ecosystem. These findings are part of a recent research that suggests there maybe a biological advantage to swapping spit.
    Twenty one couples filled out a questionnaire asking them how often they kissed. Then the researchers had each subject consume a probiotic yogurt which contained hearty sources of so-called"good bacteria". After, the couples shared an intimate 10 seconds kiss; the researchers swabbed their cheeks to check bacteria levels. The couples who reported they kissed more ofter ended up having more similar microbiota than less-frequent kissers
     "Bacteria help regulate a lot of body processes," said Dr.Alison Morris, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Living with a breast

The removal of one or both breast is a surgical process called mastectomy. The woman on recovery from the procedure, moves about with her breast on her.
 For most of these women, they feel empty. A patient described her situation as "not being a woman". It can be as sad as that. But with the right information and direction, I believe some can be spared untold hardship.
Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery holds the key. This could be done at thesame time as mastectomy or could be offered after the patient has healed.
Note however, that while no reconstruction can mimic the exact look and feel of the natural breast, reconstructive surgery can go a long way toward helping a patient feel better both emotionally and physically.
 Living life to the fullest, also include being healthy, with no absent part. DQ Blog.

Medical students thrash Federal Doctors, 2-1.

Lol. It was a happy day at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. This is especially so for the medical students (Medic '06), who finished off the doctors, 2-1. Jubilation galore. See Photos.....

Federal Doctors Verses Med Students!!

Federal Medical Centre Owerri played host to a tight match between her doctors and Some medical students on posting!! Details soon!

World AIDS Day... Count down!!

World AID DAY is 1st DEC. 
  No discrimination against the infected.
   Show some love and care to the infected.
     Remember you cannot get the disease by touching,
       Or sharing of the same utensils.
          However the disease is gotten when you share needles,
            Or via exchange of body fluid. Unprotected sex is the major transmission mode.
While we strive to live a good life, keep in mind that AIDS IS REAL.
 Stay healthy.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is every other 1st of Dec. According to the WHO, new guidelines on providing antiretrovirals(ARVs) as an emergency prevention following HIV exposure, and on the use of the antibiotic co-trimoxazole to prevent HIV-related infections, will be released
     I feel it's nice, that the WHO is focusing among other groups; on health workers, and survivors of rape. I know one or two medical officers who have been exposed to the deadly virus, while doing their work. Hope the guideline make life better for the exposed victims.

Medical school Scare

Professional examinations is a constant in medical schools. I know because an announcement was just put out that my professional exams start next month. I have believed in adequate preparations before any exam, so naturally I felt jittery.
  The medical and Dental council of Nigeria sees to the proper training of doctors, read here》. I know I have to make my time count. But one thing I still deal is this palpable tension. God help me as I put in my best.
   Congrats to Gov Rauf of Osun State as he is inaugurated today. I have a thing for the state.

Myopia-- Eye Refractory Error

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

updated Nov 27, 2014

A person with myopia is said to be nearsighted, because they can see objects that are up close, but have trouble seeing images or objects that are far away. Although myopia is generally a mild and manageable condition, severe myopia can trigger much more serious eye problems and can potentially lead to blindness. Learn more about myopia by reading the sections below.

Myopia is a type of refractive error that usually presents itself in children of about eight to twelve years old. Signs that a child may be nearsighted include squinting, difficulty seeing objects at a distance, and holding books or other objects very close to the face. Occasionally, a person with myopia may have headaches or eyestrain from the effort of trying to focus.

Cause of Myopia
Although theories abound as to what behaviors may trigger or worsen myopia, it is generally accepted within the medical community that nearsightedness is an inherited trait. Nearsighted people have eyes that are elongated or corneas that are more steeply curved than those of the average person, causing incoming light to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than on it. This type of refractive error is most commonly found in those who have a direct relative with the same condition.

Doctors and Nurses get better facilities..

We are in need of sincere action from the levels of government concerning the upgrade of our health sector.
Gov Obiano seems to be medical and health workers friendly. Thumbs up.

     In continuation of his administration’s 3-pronged strategy for the development of the health sector which takes into account infrastructure development, provision of medical equipment to health institutions, and welfare of the medical staff, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano has given assurance that he would build staff quarters to provide accommodation within the hospitals for Doctors and Nurses in the 37 General Hospitals across the State, whilst Onitsha, Enugwu-ukwu and Ekwulobia General hospitals will be upgraded to provide comprehensive healthcare in the three senatorial zones.

The governor made this known while inspecting a staff quarters project at the General Hospital Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area. He observed that the one-storey building comprising of four and three bedroom flats would be replicated in all the General Hospitals in the state within two years. Governor Obiano explained that his government considers the provision of accommodation to medical staff very important for the general well-being of Ndi Anambra. According to Obiano, “housing doctors and nurses within the hospital premises would enable them provide regular services to the people and respond promptly to emergencies.”
    KUDOS TO U, SIR!

No Turkey this Christmas

A sweet meal ain't complete without a well prepared, nutritious, healthy dose of turkey to the collection. I think it taste better when grilled!! Lol
 But that must change this time around! Please NO TURKEY, this year; is the mantra for some. Read why here.(Read)
    Give it a thought would you?

Harmattan Series

The season is on us again, or at least we are beginning to get its feeling. The more we know about it, the better we are prepared for it. DQB will be running a mini-series on it to help us get on like it was never there...

     The Harmattan is a hot, dry and dusty wind (continental trade wind) blowing over West Africa. This northeasterly wind blows from the Sahara Desert into the Gulf of Guineabetween the end of November and the middle of March (winter).^[1] The name comes from or is related to an Akancognate.^[2]

On its passage over the desert, it picks up fine dust and sand particles (between 0.5 and 10 micrometres). The air is particularly dry and desiccating when the Harmattan blows over the region. At morning, low temperatures can easily be as low as 15 °C (59 °F) or 20 °C (68 °F). At afternoon, high temperatures easily soar to more than 30 °C (86°F) and can reach as high as 40 °C (104 °F) sometimes, while the relative humidity drops under 10%.

The Harmattan blows during the dry season which occurs during the lowest-sun months, when a high pressure system of thesubtropical ridge stays over the central Sahara Desert and when a low pressure system of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) stays over the Gulf of Guinea. The Harmattan brings desert-like weather conditions: it lowers the humidity, dissipates cloud cover, prevents rainfall formation and sometimes creates big clouds of dust or sand which can even result in violentduststorms or sandstorms but when the haze effect is weak, this dry wind creates beautiful sunny days with plenty of clear skies.

   

Wow!... I am back!!!

It's good to be back!!! I was rendered incommunicado for a whole day! I had to attend the burial of a loved one and the network service was a thrash down there!!! I hope never to disappear unannounced, ever again. DoctorsQuarter's blog (DQB) readers you rock!! lol

Non Living milk by 2017...

Diary food lovers pay attention! Soonest non cow milk will food the market.. This milk synthesised by works from biotechnology research is to replaced the conventipnal non-sustainable cow milk.... (Read story here=)

Bubonic plague in Madagascar...

Just reminiscent of the Ebola epidermic which start early this year in a West Africa country, so the Bubonic plague has started again in Madagascar.(Read full story here)
        My own is for us to watch how we travel... lol

2014, then 2015!

With the world set to achieve the Millenium Development Goals, how much have we achieved? The MDGs are as follows;

1. To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. To achieve universal primary education
3. To promote gender equality and empower women
4. To reduce child mortality
5. To improve maternal health
6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. To ensure environmental sustainability^[1]
8. To develop a global partnership for development^{[2]
      
        But let's check ourselves sincerely! Are we going to achieve it?} 

More 2013 Medical breakthroughs

Marijuana Cures Crohn’s Disease

2013 saw no shortage of studies advocating medical marijuana as an effective treatment for symptoms of glaucoma, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, certain types of cancer, and other conditions. One stood out: Researchers from Meir Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University concluded a landmark study earlier this year in which patients with Crohn’s Disease achieved “complete remission” after starting a daily cannabis regimen.As opposed to other controlled trials that explored marijuana’s remedial effect on cancer or AIDS, thisstudy published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology ended with total remission of Crohn’s symptoms in five of the 21 patients used for the sample. The research team from Israel attributed this outcome to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory components, also known as Cannabinoids. Now researchers are focused on the anti-inflammatory mechanism in marijuana that facilitates the release of inflammatory agents including histamine and serotonin.



How To Print Your Own Body Parts

The ability to generate new body parts from scratch seems like something out of Star Trek or The Jetson’s, but it’s not. This past year saw an explosion in the medical uses of 3D printing technology. Early in 2013, American neurosurgeons created a polymer skull implant to replace approximately 75 percent of a patient’s skull. A baby who had a collapsed lung benefited from 3D technology as engineers developed a splint to support the baby’s narrow airways, ultimately saving her life. At the Third Annual Cell Therapy Bioprocessing Conference a San Diego company developed and presented the world’s first 3D human liver. And a loving father, Paul McCathy, set out to make a prosthetic left hand for his son who was without fingers — ultimately, he made one using only $10 worth of materials.

More amazing facts coming up

Sweet Yellow Plaintain

Love me my plantain on my rice. It's nutritious for young and old. See why after the cut...

Asides from being tasty, plantains are extremely rich in nutrients, vitamins and have health benefits, some of which are:

Digestion: Because plantains enhance phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen retention, they help in the regeneration of healthy tissues

Healthy pregnancy: Plantains contain folic acid which is one of the acids essential for healthy pregnancy.

Eases menstrual Cramps: Plantains contain properties which help to ease the discomfort that comes with the monthly menstrual cycle.

Eyesight support: Plantains contain an essential vitamin – Vitamin A which helps support the eyesight and prevent certain eye conditions.

Strong Bones: Plantains are rich in calcium and calcium is essential for strong bones. They also provide adequate levels of magnesium which is essential for strengthening the bones as well.

When you eat rice next time, do laced it with plaintain.

Tummy Tucking nicely done

What is wrong with this picture? Lol

Harmattan season!!

It's here again... I ll be going on with how best to be medically okay in this season.. LoL!!
Ask questions on health concerning harmattan

Facelift by the expert

Read Constance M. Barone, MD's Take:Factors that Affect the Cost of a Face Lift

A facelift can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 based on the extent of treatment, the geographic location of the practice, and many other factors. Read Full Article

 If you are interested, contact Constance M. Barone, MD

Insomnia... Night-walker!!

When you see your friend with dark patches under his or her eye, it may just be insomnia!
     Can't sleep at night? Having a bad day because your had little sleep since you could not just fall asleep?
      You wake up very early in the morning and can't fall back to sleep? Or you feel so tired just after waking up?
Then it may just be a case of insomnia!!!

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.

Types of Insomnia

There are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia.

• Primary insomnia: Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem.
• Secondary insomnia: Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition (like asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn);pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using (like alcohol).
       So it's a condition that requires urgent attention!
  
  TREATMENT IS BASIC!

And the health bickering continues

Would have thought that with the passage of health bill by the senate, everybody would be jubilant. But No!!! Read below;

Unified action is real

In an exclusive interview with HealthNewsNG.com, Raheem Toyosi, national president of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) said members of the association are concerned about some sections in the bill.

“We found out that the version that was passed by the senate is not the version that was passed by the House of Representatives,” Raheem said.

According to him, some of the sections of the bill that the members of the association are worried about include the portion of the bill that introduces a new framework for the regulation of the activities of health professionals.

He said: “We have recommended an amendment to avoid interference with the activities of the existing councils regulating various professions. If the bill was passed in that form, it would have eroded the powers of other regulatory bodies and people will be hiding under the new law to say other laws are not valid. But what we are recommending is that nothing should be done without considering the laws establishing bodies such as the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLLSCN), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCAN), the Nursing Council of Nigeria and other professional bodies.”

He also expressed concerns over the aspect of the bill that focuses on the National Health Research Committee.

“Initial constitution of the committee included doctors, pharmacists and nurses, medical laboratory scientists were not mentioned. We have requested medical laboratory scientists should be included in the committee which I think have been taken care of in the harmonized version of the bill,” he told HealthNewsNG.com.

Speaking further, he said the association is not comfortable with the section that gave guidelines on the collection of blood for various purposes. According to the section, blood cannot be collected without the approval of a medical doctor.

He said: “We insisted it cannot stand because collection of blood either for diagnostic investigation or blood transfusion is a major aspect of what medical laboratory scientists are doing. If you say nobody should collect blood without the permission of the medical doctor, it means our colleagues in the private sector will not be able to attend to patients in their labs.

“What happens in the rural areas where there are no doctors but there are laboratories around that could carry out diagnoses? If you are saying no one should collect blood without doctor’s authorization you are eroding the competence of our members. We are saying we are not comfortable with that section. We proposed a review of that section and I believe it has been effected in the harmonized version.”

If the suggestions of the association are not implemented he said there are would outcries from members of the association.

“There will be outcries because the system had been injurious to our members in the past,” the president told HealthNewsNG.com

Healthy World

I woke up with a thought... Imagine a world where everyone is healthy, fit.
No wars, violence.... And I thought of the average life expectancy in Nigeria; abysmal at 45years as compared to that in developing countries that stand between 75years and 80years...
      Staying healthy is key. Our healthy indices has got to improve. We have to play our part. For real, change must be wrought. Goodmorning

Ebola Swamps Sierra Leone

    The Ebola virus disease, though being controlled in other regions. However, reports have it that this hope is not expressed by Sierra Leone people..

---

A deadline of December 1 to contain the Ebola virus will not be fully met due to escalating numbers of cases in Sierra Leone and elsewhere, the UN Ebola Emergency Response Mission which had set the target, said.

The mission set the goal in September, seeking to have 70 percent of Ebola patients under treatment and 70 percent of Ebola victims safely buried. That target will be achieved in some areas, head of UNMEER Anthony Banbury told Reuters news agency, citing progress in Liberia.
"We are going to exceed the December 1 targets in some areas. But we are almost certainly going to fall short in others. In both those cases, we will adjust to what the circumstances are on the ground," he said in an interview.

Banbury said the areas of greatest concern are in rural parts of Sierra Leone as well as the city of Makeni in the centre of the country and Port Loko in the northwest.

Improving surveillance

Surveillance to prevent further cross-border spread of the disease must be improved, he added, given the transmission of the disease overland from Guinea into Mali, where at least six people have now died.

Liberia winning war on Ebola...

(Reuters) - A U.S. general in the force helping Liberia fight the Ebola epidemic reported on Monday a dramatic improvement in the situation there and confirmed the cancellation of two planned treatment facilities.

Brigadier General Frank Tate, deputy commanding general of U.S. Operation United Assistance, said the drop in the number of cases in the country was all the more encouraging given recent improvements in reporting capacity.

He said new daily cases have fallen to around 20 from close to 80 when the operation was announced in September. Ebola is still spreading in other parts of West Africa.

"It's a dramatic improvement," he told Reuters on the airstrip of a temporary U.S. logistics base in Dakar as dozens of U.S. soldiers boarded a Monrovia-bound Hercules aircraft.

"It was decided between USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and the Liberian government that two of the 17 Ebola Treatment Units was no longer necessary. They were canceled," he said.

Elsewhere in West Africa, the disease is still spreading, especially in neighboring Sierra Leone which recorded 533 new cases in the week to Nov. 16. At least six people have died from Ebola in Mali, whose government is now monitoring hundreds of contacts linked to Guinean imam whose symptoms went undetected.

Tate's comments echoed other positive signs from Liberia, once the epicenter of the worst known Ebola outbreak in history that has killed more than 5,459 people. Already, the United States has decided to trim the number of troops in Liberia from 4,000 to a maximum of 3,000 in December.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf decided this month not to renew a state of emergency there and set a national target of no new cases by December 25.

But Tate warned that authorities need to remain vigilant.

"We can by no means declare victory. We have to continue pressure on this disease in Liberia as well as in Guinea and Sierra Leone and work on border security," he said.

Tate said the United States had no current plans to shift resources to other Ebola-hit countries. "If it became necessary and those orders came to us, we maintain the capability," he said.

Taraba State gets new Speaker

A new speaker has emerged in the Taraba State House of Assembly after the former Speaker, Mr Josiah Sabo Kente resigned.

Kente, whose resignation letter was read on the floor of the House on Monday, cited “personal grounds” for his resignation

However, the House has nominated and sworn in the member representing Takum II constituency, Hon. Mark Useni, as the new Speaker, while all other principal officers of the House will maintain their positions.

Last week, the Supreme Court has ordered that the Taraba State acting governor be removed and the deputy governor, Abubakar Danladi to be sworn-in.

Danladi was impeached by the Taraba State House of Assembly in September 2012 for gross misconduct and engaging in private businesses.

After his impeachment, he approached the court to challenge the ruling of the Appeal Court which upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court in Taraba that he was duly and constitutionally impeached.

In a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court held that the impeachment panel set up by the House of Assembly to investigate the allegations against Danladi violated his rights to fair hearing.

- See more at: http://aitonline.tv/post-mark_useni_emerges_as_new_taraba_assembly_speaker#sthash.FOVlyxwg.dpuf