Endocrinologists have called for more public awareness to encourage early detection of diabetes, saying delayed diagnosis exposes patients to life-threatening complications. The call was made on Friday during the free diabetes screening exercise organised by the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to commemorate World Diabetes Day. The free screening started with a 10-minute walk of public sensitisation to raise awareness, educate the public, and promote early detection of diabetes. Speaking with Saturday PUNCH during the exercise, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Planning Committee at the College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Dr Wale Bello, said the programme was aimed at helping the participants “know their numbers” by offering free checks for weight, height, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Bello, who represented the Chief Medical Director, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo, described the current prevalence of diabetes as alarming, noting that early screening remains the most effective way to curb rising cases. He said, “The Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Committee has made arrangements that include partnerships with various companies of hospital management to put together this screening programme. Like I said,… “Early Detection: The Secret Weapon Against Diabetes”

A total of 4,193 doctors and dentists left Nigeria for greener pastures in 2024, according to the Nigeria Health Statistics Report released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The report, obtained by our correspondent on Friday, shows that the migration of health workers surged by 200 per cent across all cadres between 2023 and 2024. It notes that thousands of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, left the country in search of better opportunities abroad. An analysis of the document reveals that 43,221 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory scientists migrated out of the country between 2023 and 2024. The figures highlight a deepening brain drain within Nigeria’s health sector, with highly skilled professionals relocating to countries offering better remuneration, career prospects, and working conditions. The report warns that the exodus poses a serious challenge to Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in underserved areas, and underscores the urgent need for policies aimed at retaining health workers and strengthening domestic capacity. It reads in part: “Nigeria’s health workforce recorded steady growth between 2022 and 2024 across major professional groups, with notable… “Nigeria Bleeds White Coats: Over 4,000 Doctors, Dentists Jet Out in 2024.”

NARD to FG: “Enough Waiting — Fix Our Pay Now!” Doctors’ Strike Hits Day 15 The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has urged the Federal Government to immediately conclude the long-stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as its indefinite strike entered Day 15 on Saturday. The union also demanded an urgent review of the outdated Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), insisting the current system no longer reflects Nigeria’s economic realities. In a statement posted on X, NARD wrote:“Dear Nigerians, Doctors Deserve a Fair Deal! We’ve waited far too long for a CBA a simple written promise for fair pay and clear work terms. Yet the delays continue, while doctors battle rising costs and dwindling morale. “We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and a review of the obsolete CONMESS salary structure.” vibeslyfe reports that the strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals nationwide, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centers, disrupting medical services across the country. NARD said the union’s 19-point demand list is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of doctors and patients. The list includes the… “Stethoscopes Down: Doctors Press On Until Government Plays Fair”