The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
has admitted 79 students into its Schools of Anaesthetic Technology and Orthopaedic Cast Technology to bridge the country’s healthcare workforce gap.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, said this during the students’ matriculation on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria has a low number of anaesthesia providers and orthopaedic cast technologists, compared with its large population.
Fabamwo, who said that trauma and orthopaedic problems are major causes of morbidity and mortality among many Nigerians, added that “there is high demand for anaesthetists due to their significance to positive surgical outcomes.
“Both professions are viable and highly sought in the state and beyond.’’
The medical director explained that orthopaedic cast technologists work directly with orthopaedic doctors and surgeons in treatment and management of patients with traumatic conditions.
According to him, the 38 matriculating students are the first set of students for Orthopaedic Cast Technology, while 41 are are for Anaesthetic Technology.
He urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations of the school to enable them to perform excellently in their chosen field.
Prof. Oladipo Adewole, the Head of Orthopaedic and Trauma Department, LASUTH, said there are new career paths after secondary education as dynamics of health education evolve.
He urged health workers to work as a team with the goal of providing optimal patient care in a safe environment.
Mrs Oluwatoyin Babarimisa, the Head, School of Orthopaedic and Cast Technology, LASUTH, said the university would be the second institution in the south-west to
train orthopaedic and cast technologists.
Babarimisa said nurses and doctors have been doing the work of orthopaedic and cast technologists due to shortage of manpower in most hospitals, placing
more burden on healthcare workers.
Mr John Onyebuchi, representing the National Board for Technical Education, said that the programs are highly skillful and in high demand globally.
Onyebuchi said that skills are essential in driving high performance and advised the students to be disciplined throughout the program.
