Professor Akeem Lasisi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, has warned that Nigeria risks a return to the critical-care difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic unless it urgently strengthens its intensive-care system. Lasisi, a Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, made this statement while delivering the keynote address at the 70th birthday and valedictory programme of Associate Professor Arinola Sanusi. He emphasized that research on intensive-care services in Nigeria revealed serious limitations in the country’s ICU capacity.
According to Lasisi, the country’s critical-care “underbelly” was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and limited specialist capacity. The findings of the research should compel policymakers and professional bodies to demand greater investment in critical care. Lasisi also stressed that evidence from studies on Nigeria’s ICU capacity could help guide government decisions and improve the country’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
Lasisi reviewed about 55 of Sanusi’s publications and found that approximately half documented research involving critically ill patients, while about 30 percent focused on specialised anaesthesia. He singled out her review of ICU services in Nigeria as particularly significant because of what it revealed about the country’s critical-care capacity. This review highlighted the need for urgent attention to the country's ICU system.
The vice chancellor described Sanusi as a “trainer of trainers”, urging younger doctors and mentors to draw lessons from her approach to patient care, professional education, research, and service. He emphasized the importance of research capable of informing healthcare policy, which should receive greater attention. This approach will help improve the country's healthcare system.
At the occasion, speakers, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon Arotiba, and Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, highlighted Sanusi’s contributions to anaesthesia, critical care, medical education, and professional development. They praised her dedication to the medical field.
The event was organised by the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Ibadan (UI) and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The programme was held to honour Sanusi’s four decades of service in medicine. Various dignitaries attended the event, including the secretary of the West African College of Surgeons, Dr Muyiwa Rotimi.
The warning by Lasisi comes as a call to action for the government and stakeholders to invest in critical care and improve the country's preparedness for future health emergencies. The country's ICU system needs urgent attention to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis. Key stakeholders must work together to address this issue.
Key points
- Nigeria risks a return to COVID-19-like ICU crisis if its intensive-care system is not strengthened urgently.
- Research on ICU services in Nigeria revealed serious limitations in the country’s ICU capacity, including inadequate beds and ventilators.
- Policymakers and professional bodies must demand greater investment in critical care to improve the country's preparedness for future health emergencies.
