Prof. Chinwe Onwuchekwa, head of Radiology at the University of Port Harcourt, has called for specialised stroke and trauma hospitals in every Nigerian state.
Speaking after delivering the university’s 201st inaugural lecture, she said the centres should be staffed with trained professionals and supported with state and federal funds to subsidise treatment for underprivileged patients. Prof. Onwuchekwa stressed that patients recover faster and have better outcomes when treated in specialised facilities.
Another primary recommendation from the inaugural lecture was for the government to create accessible rehabilitation centres for stroke survivors, head injury patients, and post-surgery cases. She also called for government funding to make care affordable.
Prof. Onwuchekwa noted that road accidents were a significant cause of head injuries. He indicated that poor roads, untrained drivers, and inadequate licensing are major contributing factors to road accidents. She urged authorities to maintain roads, enforce traffic regulations, and ensure driver and vehicle evaluation to reduce preventable injuries.
