Yola: The Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola has successfully separated six sets of conjoined twins over the past ten years. The latest surgery, which involved twins joined at the abdominal region, was carried out without complications, marking a significant achievement for the hospital.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Abubakar Auwal, the Chief Paediatric Surgeon at MAUTH, shared these details during the discharge ceremony of the newly separated twins. This recent operation is the sixth of its kind since the hospital first undertook such a procedure in 2013. The successful separation highlights the hospital’s growing expertise and collaborative efforts among specialists.
Prof. Auwal noted that the first recorded separation of conjoined twins in Nigeria took place in 1936 in Sokoto, and since then, multiple successful procedures have been performed nationwide. He attributed the hospital’s achievements to teamwork, enhanced expertise, and improved collaboration among professionals. He also emphasized the need for increased government investment in healthcare to sustain advanced medical procedures.
He further highlighted the importance of government support in healthcare funding, training, infrastructure, and professional collaboration. Such support could reduce medical tourism and address the shortage of young doctors due to migration, often referred to as the ‘Japa’ syndrome. The recent procedure was provided free of charge, covering surgery, drugs, and admission, which typically cost millions of naira.
Prof. Auwal commended the staff of the paediatric, radiology, and nursing units for their crucial roles in ensuring accurate diagnosis and a successful surgery. Prof. Adamu Bakari, Chief Medical Director of MAUTH, praised the medical team and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare. He noted the hospital’s growth from a 100-bed facility in 1999 to over 800 beds, equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment.
Prof. Bakari emphasized the hospital’s reputation as a center of excellence for complex paediatric surgeries, attracting patients from across the country. He called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and maintain comprehensive in-house care.
The twins’ grandfather, Mr. Jibir Adamu, expressed gratitude to the hospital for providing free treatment and saving the children’s lives. Unfortunately, the twins’ mother passed away shortly after childbirth, adding a somber note to the family’s experience.