AGAINST the backdrop of a reduction in emergency surgeries in children by 31 per cent in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have called for consensus guidelines for emergency services and protocols for handling backlog of elective surgeries in children once the pandemic recedes. According to the survey, there was a steady decline in the average number of elective surgeries done from 25 per cent to 10 per cent between November 2019 and March 2020. The survey had included 120 pediatric surgeons (consultants and senior registrars) practising in 50 hospitals that offer surgeries for children across the country. Eleven (22 per cent) centres reported at least one of the elective cases suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic presenting as an emergency in March. Forty (80 per cent) centres do not offer hospital powered telemedicine services for patients’ follow-up despite lockdown on outpatient clinics.

Source: Nigerian Tribune June 04, 2020 01:41 UTC