By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Director Urologic Pathology Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Geogia, USA. Professor Adeboye Osunkoya has asked the Federal government to introduce free medical test for prostrate cancer in Nigeria.
Professor Osunkoya made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled” “Historical perspective and updates on prostate cancer pathology” as part of the activities to mark the IBADAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 70 years anniversary held at Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre , College of Medicine, UCH premises, Ibadan
He declared that the introduction of free prostrate cancer by the government will go a long way in stemming the increasing wave of prostrate cancer and other types of cancer among Nigerians.
Professor Osunkoya disclosed that it has been discovered that prostrate cancer is most common among men of the 40 years above in Nigeria as well as other Africa countries, saying ,with early screening for men who are 40years, government can encourage people to embrace the screening by supporting the procurement of machines and facilities to be used for the screening.
According to the Director Urologic Pathology Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta Geogia, USA, prostrate cancer can be cured if detected on time hence the need for the government to consider it imperative to make the test for prostrate cancer free for every Nigerian especially the men that are above 40 years of age.
The America based urologic pathologist maintained that Nigeria government as a matter of urgency should show more commitment to the healthcare delivery of the people by increasing the budgetary allocation to the health sector.
Speaking further, Professor Osunkoya lamented that prostrate cancer “is one of those that could still be around in a long term because it is genetically based” and that government could partner with the UCH College of Medicine to pilot the prostate cancer screening and treatment, even if on a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Chairman of the 70th-anniversary planning committee, Prof. Obafunke Denloye while speaking with newsmen declared that the institution is worth celebrating because of the landmark achievements it has made in human development and service delivery.
The College of Medicine Deputy Provost who gave events lined up for the celebration to include allowing secondary school students to get familiar with the field of medicine and even live with medical students for a period of time, would also showcase some of the products of the School since the time it has started stewased that the focus of the celebration, however, was to give the institution a kind of rebirth and reminiscence that would make the 70 year old attractive and relevant even in the new age as well as project it for
The lecture chaired by Professor Abosigun Junaid was also attended by the Chief Medical Director, UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge, Provost, College of Medicine, Prof Olapade Olaopa, President Ibadan Medical School Alumni Association, Dr. Habile Olamotoye, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UCH, Dr. Victor Akinmoladun, Prof. Akinkugbe among other dignitaries
