Dr Biodun Ogungbo, MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc On Islam There is a small mosque close to the hospital. It is in a private building and used by just a few people. My father did the same in his house in Lagos. He had a block of flats and a small mosque where we prayed. He would wake up everyone early in the morning by force to go and pray. The same thing happened in the evenings when we had family prayers together. It was a real menace to the tenants but no one complained. Many simply woke up with the…
Author: Dr. Biodun Ogungbo
We have watched with dismay the viral video of Dr. Stella Immanuel, a doctor in the United States of America. The video has been shared all over the country and led to many people justifiably asking the question, ‘What do you think, doctor? The video was part of a news conference held in America. The event was hosted by the Tea Party Patriots. The organization America’s Frontline Doctors, a group founded by Dr. Simone Gold, a board-certified physician and attorney, and made up of medical doctors, came together to address what the group calls a “massive disinformation campaign” about the…
NORMAL MRI SCAN OF THE NECK The spinal cord travels from the brain through the bones in the neck. This is like the road from Abuja airport to the stadium where it then branches in so many directions. You know how beautiful the road is to drive on and you can now get to Garki in about 30 minutes. Not many will remember what it was like only a few years ago when we had the road constructions going on. Then, travelling to the airport requires you leave home almost 3 to 4 hours before, just to get through Lugbe.…
This is the second worst day of my life. The first was just over the weekend. But, that is a story for another time! Professor Lovett Lawson was widely reported to have died on Monday 13th July, 2020. The question is how and why? Why would the eminent, kind, benevolent, charming and incredible Prof. Lovett Lawson die? Oh God, what happened? It turned a busy day at the office into the worst day of my life. You know when the shock of such a monumental and seismic event hits you in the pit of the stomach and you get that…
As at today, the world is learning to live with the Coronavirus. Coronavirus is here and everywhere. Almost all the countries in the world have been affected, some more than others. The United States of America and Brazil top the list in the number of infections and number of deaths. As at today, Johns Hopkins University reports almost eleven million cases and 500, 000 deaths. In Nigeria, we have officially recorded 29, 000 cases and over 600 deaths. The number of cases are holding steady at over 500 daily and there are daily reports of some prominent deaths. It is…
In the news: Abdulateef Suleiman, Personal Assistant to the governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, has been confirmed dead. In the news: Kogi State Chief Judge, Nasir Ajanah has reportedly died at the COVID-19 isolation centre in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The deaths in Abuja and not in Kogi State is a source of worry and should concern all Kogites. Why did these potential Covid-19 cases travel to Abuja for health care? Why were there no suitable places in the whole of Kogi state, capable of treating such eminent people? What is the health care situation in Kogi State and what are Kogites doing about…
Okay, bear with me. This is the shortest article I have ever written. It makes a simple point! This morning, a convoy of military vehicles blew past the traffic lights aggressively as they bullied their way to the army headquarters. A military officer of whatever rank was apparently going to work, as usual for all of us, but feels the need to blow sirens and enforce a right of way. This really should stop and someone needs to tell the Nigerian government officials that they work for us. Their job is no more important than that of the teacher going…
I woke up this morning and farted. Yes, I did. And it had a horrible smell. It smelled like shit. Holy Moses, I cried. What did I eat last night that’s decayed so bad within me? Well, what? I went into the kitchen and, even that smelled bad. There was a dustbin in the kitchen that needs to be emptied. I had dumped a newspaper in there. Some paper called the Punch was used to wrap sweet corn! But, what did I ‘read’ last night that smelled so bad? You have to know, don’t you? So, I picked up the newspaper and…
What we need in Nigeria is an awakening Everyone simply needs to wake up from slumber We need to rub our eyes and shine it bright There is decay around us to see Then, we need to get a broom And go sweeping, mopping and drying too We need to clean house and sort out the future There is decay all around Which others can see The first place to clean is the road Our traffic system, for sure This particularly need some sanity A forbear to peace in the land Let us start with road signs And add proper…
There are times like this that I wonder how we will ever get back to an honest society. Two stories told below highlight just how low our dear society has sunken. The first story I was at Dunes Shopping centre in Abuja where I saw the staff well represented in Covid-19 preventive face shields. I thought it was a great idea and decided to buy some for the hospital. At least the security boys who interact with the public closely can have some measure of protection. Well, it turns out that the pharmacy sells the face masks. So, a few…
The highlight of the last week in April was being publicly recognised for praise by the eminent lawyer, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, SAN. Unlike Donald Trump, who uses Twitter, he used his Facebook page to announce the 25th Anniversary of his swearing-in (24th of April 1995). He also found space and a few words to thank the ‘’good doctor and Team BASS’’. In effect, a rather dull week was brightened up immeasurably by JB. It was the week when Mr President announced the relaxation of the lockdown in Abuja and Lagos. He also announced the 2-week lockdown of Kano State. Belatedly, of course! Since…
I spoke to Yecenu of KISS FM yesterday about wearing a facemask as part of our strategies to prevent catching the Coronavirus and developing the Covid-19 DISEASE. She had asked me the following questions and I think is pertinent to repeat here. What is the level of protection masks can provide? Facemasks are very important in the prevention of the spread of this virus. Facemasks especially the high-grade masks used by doctors and nurses, offer the highest level of protection because they prevent the germs from penetrating the mask. Additional plastic face shields used by doctors offer a second physical…
It’s a virus, but not just a virus! It’s just a virus, but not just any virus! This is the Coronavirus and it will show us pepper! A few days ago, there was some hope in the land that the worst part of this pandemic may have passed us by. There were no recorded cases of the COVID-19 disease in Abuja, FCT. The number of cases in Nigeria was also low. We decided to reopen the hospital and start seeing one or two cases of patients in pain and even a little girl with a brain tumour. That was before…
Hey, great news The Honourable Minister of Health (MOH) said that doctors managing Coronavirus and COVID-19 disease are only doing their normal day jobs of checking patients’ temperature. Apparently, he is neither aware nor concerned about whether they are entitled to hazard pay or even life insurance. This is great news It clearly confirms that we have a comedian as a MOH and though a certified medical doctor, he is someone who has lost touch with the profession and reality. Further, the Secretary-General of the Federation said he is not aware of the deplorable condition of our healthcare facilities and…
Words are futile Given what is happening in Nigeria and indeed the world today, you would think that words are futile. That we are all living witnesses to the exposition of the dilapidated healthcare system in Nigeria. COVID-19 has exposed our ass for all to see. You would think that even the blind can see how terrible it is and the depths to which we have sunk. You would think we need not say a word. Words are not futile You would be wrong in Nigeria. The humans in Nigeria have long resigned and common sense has long left our…
This is a whisper into the ears of government and government officials including our dear esteemed politicians. We hope this is loud enough to hear and that it resounds between your ears. Many people are currently dying in Europe, in pain, alone and unsung by family and friends. This is due to the Corona Virus ravaging nations all over the world. Especially, those countries who have not prepared! Unfortunately, our turn is coming and upon us. In Europe and especially in Italy, the virus has claimed thousands of lives, of mostly elderly people. You see, Italy has a high number…
Covid-19 is the name and infecting you is the game. The game is simple, try and prevent getting infected with the Coronavirus. The prize, if you win: Good health for you and your loved ones. If you lose: there is a 20% risk of a serious illness and a chance of death. How it spreads Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you…
South Africa has closed its doors! Ghana has shut down the gates! Kenya has locked up! Uganda begs you not to come visiting! Ghana Ghana is closing its borders to travellers from countries with more than 200 cases of the coronavirus as the West African nation seeks to prevent contagion of the disease. The government is asking airlines to stop affected travellers from boarding flights, while citizens and resident-permit holders will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. South Africa South Africa has imposed the most severe restrictions on its citizens since the end of white-minority rule after…
Remember the name: Chineme Martins This young footballer died on the football pitch in Nigeria, a few days ago. Martins fell unconscious during his Nasarawa United side’s 3-0 win over Katsina United. The people around him were unable to offer any credible assistance to bring him back to life. A video circulating about the resuscitation attempts make such distressing viewing, we should all be ashamed of ourselves. In the video, someone grabbed his leg and was slapping his feet. Two people placed hands on his chest. One person held his mouth open and another was heard shouting, ‘do not let…
In a bid to ensure safe healthcare practices in Nigeria among Private health care practitioners, the Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria has organized a training in collaboration with the NCDC to ensure all private health care workers are aware of the protocol to follow to prevent and control the spread of the deadly COVID 19 virus. The training which is facilitated by the Infection Prevention and Control team of the NCDC will cover an overview of the epidemiology of COVID 19, how to screen all patients as they present to the hospitals, isolate those that raise red flags as…
Fact Northern elites and the political class have neglected development in the North to the detriment of the whole nation. Our loss The focus has often been on straight forward nepotism. How we can use our clout to get our own people, whether qualified or not, into positions of power and influence? How can we ensure we have access to the pots of gold and the biggest share of the Nigerian cake? How can we position our children whether qualified or not to steal and plunder for the family? In most situations, talent is sacrificed and mediocrity promoted to the…
Rise up Rise up, doctors Rise up, unafraid When the silence isn’t quiet And it feels like it’s getting hard to breath And I know you feel like dying But I promise We’ll take the world to its feet And move mountains We’ll take it to its feet And move mountains A PUBLIC DISGRACE On the 17th of February 2020, doctors and doctors’ leaders were frustrated and ridiculed at the Public hearing on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The Senate Committee on Health is interested in enacting an Act to abolish the NHIS Act and replace it with the…
This last weekend in Abuja, was well, wicked! Wicked, as in packed full of fun and happenings. I mean a roller-coaster from Friday to Sunday. So many ups and downs it made one dizzy just thinking about it. The question is this, ‘What kind of weekend did you have? Was it anywhere as action-packed as our weekend in Abuja? Shall we compare notes? Jaja and her kids The little ones from the comprehensive special government school in Nasarawa State were in town. These children led by Head of School, Mrs. Baerbel Jaja, travelled from Lafia to Abuja for MRI brain…
(Legacy: what people remember about you..) I beg you! Permit me to share my thoughts Just friendly words in your ears Perhaps only for those who want to listen Imagine there are no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too Imagine no possessions Wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man And woman too! Imagine all the people Living life in peace Imagine that… Then, imagine our dear country! How does one explain all the hatred? The fear throughout our land Is it insecurity that breeds…
Okay, folks. This is a great story from Dr. Mary Ugalahi, She writes on Facebook and is well worth following for great health stories that make a lotta sense. Find her and follow her. I am! The story Nathan sat up in bed startled and disoriented. He was still very scared of the dream he just had. He ran his hand across his face, thankful it was a dream. God forbid that such a thing should happen to him. His mother will not hesitate to say “I told you so”, even in her pain. She has almost given up on…
Many people especially medical doctors were shocked to learn that people were using tablets of Paracetamol to cook meat. Apparently, it makes the meat tender quickly and so avoids long hours of cooking. I can imagine its use with food such as cow leg and ponmo The story was featured on Christmas Day and you can read the sensational news here (http://news-af.feednews.com/news/detail/dbd698f407c77aa12c8298683ba31b1c?client=news).Further research reveals that the issue was first highlighted in Accra, Ghana and may have originated from food vendors in Ghana. However, this is a bad practice and should not have been imported into Nigeria. We are slowly killing…
The club was heaving when I arrived The music was pumping and the energy was high There were many people looking like they were having fun And yes, they were. I went looking for my friends Bukky was in a corner nursing a coke Kemi was on the dance floor by herself Oblivious to the many eyes on her The ravenous raccoons called men Meanwhile, Zozi Tunzi, Miss South Africa She only went and become Miss Universe! I joined Bukky and ordered a glass of Red In no time, the bartender delivered a bottle of Red I raised an eyebrow…
Moradeun Balogun is the young woman who was stabbed in the neck on a street in Lagos and died recently. Moradeun was stabbed by an armed robber trying to steal her valuables. She died from massive blood loss. There has been so much written about her. But, no one has asked the pertinent question. Who stabbed her? Who killed Moradeun Balogun? *The story* This young 28-year-old woman, a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was robbed and then stabbed in the neck. Some good Samaritans rushed her to the nearest hospital, R-Jolad hospital in Gbagada for treatment. The hospital…
Mrs. O came to see me recently complaining of a long period of back pain. She is a 69-year-old widow who traveled from Lagos for a consultation. On review, she gave a history of chronic low back pain (waist pain) and bilateral leg pains. The pains were severe on standing and made walking pretty difficult. She walks bent forward. Sitting makes the pain better and she sleeps comfortably. Interestingly, anyone looking at her would conclude she was in great health. But, she knows better. Driving her car is entirely satisfactory until she has to get out of the car. Then,…
A man suffered a massive headache following intercourse. The headache occurred immediately before, through and after orgasm. He immediately went into coma and presented to hospital with a drooping eye and seizures. Investigations revealed he had suffered a severe subarachnoid haemorrhage (a type of stroke) due to weakness in one of the blood vessels in the brain. The weakness is called an aneurysm and recognised as a cause of death and disability all over the world. Aneurysms are a small blister on the blood vessels which burst open leading to bleeding into the brain (stroke). It happens and can happen…
