Emmanuel OchayiIn a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, NOVA Merchant Bank, a financial institution in Nigeria, has spearheaded a Pediatric Surgical Intervention program as part of its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, specifically under the UPLIFT initiative.
This noble endeavor, executed in collaboration with the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON), brought much-needed hope to 50 underprivileged child patients at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Monday, September 18, 2023.
The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON), the umbrella organisation representing Pediatric Surgeons in the country, primarily dedicated to treating surgical issues in children, training specialists in Pediatric surgery, and ensuring the highest standards of surgical care for children, joined forces with NOVA Merchant Bank for this life-changing mission.
NOVA’s UPLIFT Initiative has consistently exemplified the bank’s unwavering commitment to community development and its mission to improve lives. Their motto, “Today’s solution for tomorrow’s sustainability,” resonated deeply in this collaborative effort.
Mr. Nath Ude, Managing Director of NOVA Merchant Bank, shared the driving force behind this impactful intervention. He said: “NOVA envisions a future where millions have free or affordable access to healthcare, reducing the pain caused by preventable illnesses and untimely fatalities. This intervention is a significant step toward realizing this vision.”
He emphasized the importance of ensuring healthcare accessibility for all children, regardless of their circumstances, as the impact of this project would resonate for generations.
President of APSON, Professor Roland Osuoji, underscored the critical role played by NOVA’s intervention. He noted, “In the past year, Lagos state heavily subsidized pediatric surgeries for children aged 0-12, leading to a growing waiting list that extends until 2025.”
He further added, “This initiative not only reduces the backlog but also saves lives and offers hope to these deserving families.”
Dr. Omolara Williams, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman of the medical outreach, explained the patient selection process, stating, “We surveyed our patient database and identified those on the waiting list due to financial constraints. We made every effort to reach out to as many of them as possible, resulting in patients aged 1 to 14 years old who will now receive treatment for their pediatric conditions through this intervention.”
She emphasized the continued need for regional and national initiatives to bridge the gap in pediatric surgical care accessibility.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of LASUTH, Prof Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, expressed his gratitude for NOVA’s intervention, saying, “This collaboration reflects a shared vision of a healthier and brighter future for children in Nigeria.”
He highlighted that this meaningful impact was not just about healing bodies but also nurturing dreams.
NOVA Merchant Bank Limited, an investment-grade rated merchant bank in Nigeria, offers a comprehensive range of financial solutions, including Financial Intermediation, Wholesale and Investment Banking, Asset and Securities Management, Trade Services, Cash Management, Transaction, and Digital Banking.
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