The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has initiated a major training program aimed at equipping over 20,000 health workers and other individuals with Basic Life Support (BLS) skills to reduce mortality rates across the country. The training was officially launched at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, in partnership with the Damilola Adebola Cardiovascular Foundation.
Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatugase, Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, highlighted at the flag-off event that cardiac arrest remains a significant health burden, particularly among black populations. She expressed hope and optimism, emphasizing the importance of empowering both healthcare professionals and laypeople with emergency response training that can save lives.
“This initiative by young doctors brings hope for improving healthcare delivery and community responses to emergencies,” said Fatugase, represented by Dr. Ibukun Ogundele, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at OOUTH. The hospital management pledged continuous support to sustain and expand the training momentum.
President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, underscored the urgent need for such training, revealing that many Nigerians have died due to lack of timely response to cardiac arrests and respiratory emergencies. He urged active participation and encouraged trainees to disseminate the skills learned to others.
Dr. Ogunjimi Lukman, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, lauded the program, stressing that access to skilled BLS personnel can dramatically increase survival rates for cardiac patients. He called for extending the training beyond health workers to everyday citizens, affirming that everyone can learn to provide life-saving interventions.