Ben Ezechime, Enugu
A Professor of physiology and Consultant Endocrinologist, Chibueze Ufearo, has call for more clinical physiologists in Nigerian hospitals to guarantee effective patients care.
Ufearo said this at the ongoing 3-Day National Conference of Nigerian Clinical physiologists in Awka, Anambra State.
He said that the conference theme ”Advancing clinical physiology: Teaching, innovation and best practices,” was hoped to stimulate more interests in specialisation in clinical physiology.
Ufearo, former Head of Department Human physiology and Former Dean, faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, said the conference would broaden the knowledge of participants in physiological basis of diseases which will bear on improvements in professional skills and patients care.
He commended the vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Esimone and the Association for hosting the inaugural national conference.
Speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, National President of the Professional Association of Practicing Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria (PAPCPN), said that clinical physiologists played vital roles in diagnosis, treatment and management of various medical conditions.
Okeke said that a physiologist’s expertise in evaluating and interpreting physiological functions was instrumental to guiding therapeutic interventions and optimising patients care.
He said the conference provides an invaluable opportunity to expand the horizon, deepen their understanding and foster collaboration that will shape the future of clinical physiology in Nigeria.
Prof, Ed Nwobodo of Human physiology, from college of Health Sciences, Nnewi UNIZIK, spoke on “Advancing Clinical Physiology Teaching and practices in Nigeria.”
Nwobodo said there was the need for wider acceptance of the course in the country to improve medicine and take it to greater heights.
Prof Mohamed Mabrouk Abdelaziz from Bayero University Kano, who spoke on “challenges of physiologists in clinical applications and relationships between physiological education and clinician,” said that physiologist need to take back their rightful place in the society and impact more positively in the field of healthcare.
Prof Azubuike Nwankwo of college of medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University Uturu, who handled “emerging technologies in clinical physiology” noted that innovations in technology in clinical physiology have shown the huge value attached to the course as it thrives in the Western world.
Miss Ifunanya Njoagwuani, a three hundred level student of Human physiology of the institution, said that physiology is a very interesting course and urged educational authorities to give it more realistic boost.
Part of the events was award of honours to persons who have distinguished themselves in humanitarian health services.
Those honoured were Chief Ezeaku Ejiofor, the founder of Igbo love themselves; a radio presenter who freely aid in hospital payment for indigent people.
Also honoured was Chief Ikechukwu Chukwudiebube, represented by Chief Attahiru Okeke.