Urgent Call for Overhaul of Nigeria's Child Healthcare System

Professor K. N.

Y., the Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile Ife, Nigeria, called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's child healthcare system during his inaugural lecture titled "State of Heart: Echo in Pediatric Pulsat." He urged sustained investment in pediatric cardiology, stronger primary healthcare, and expanded specialist training to reduce childhood mortality. Professor K.

N. Y. highlighted the importance of addressing congenital heart defects, which he described as vital to the health of the nation.

He warned that late presentation and inadequate diagnosis continue to deny Nigerian children timely access to life-saving interventions. He advocated for improved maternal care, equitable access to pediatric cardiac services, and the establishment of a pediatric cardiovascular registry.

Additionally, he proposed creating a center of excellence in pediatric cardiology at OAUTHC and increasing telecardiology services in rural areas to enhance local diagnostic capabilities.