FG moves to tackle brain disorders as Nigeria battles acute shortage of neurosurgeons

…only 169 neurosurgeons serving 230 million Nigerians, Brain and Spine Foundation Founder raises alarm

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Alarm over Nigeria’s worsening brain healthcare crisis took centre stage on Wednesday as experts revealed that only 169 neurosurgeons are available to cater for over 230 million Nigerians, prompting fresh Federal Government measures to strengthen neurological care across the country.

The warning came as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare marked Nigeria’s first official World Brain Day, a landmark event that also witnessed the announcement of plans to establish a Brain Health Desk and develop the country’s first National Brain Health Agenda.

Founder and Executive Director of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Chika Okwuolisa, described the country’s neurological workforce as dangerously inadequate, warning that thousands of Nigerians suffering from stroke, brain tumours, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are unable to access life-saving care due to the shortage of specialists and poor medical infrastructure.