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Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by IB5(f): 1:32am On Apr 09, 2013 |
By Teo Kermeliotis, for CNN (CNN) - Ola Orekunrin was studying to become a doctor in the UK a few years ago when her younger sister fell seriously ill while traveling in Nigeria. The 12-year-old girl, who'd gone to the West African country on holiday with relatives, needed urgent care but the nearest hospital couldn't deal with her condition. Orekunrin and her family immediately began looking for an air ambulance service to rapidly transport the girl, a sickle cell anemia sufferer, to a more suitable healthcare facility. They searched all across West Africa but were stunned to find out there was none in the whole region. "The nearest one at the time was in South Africa," remembers Orekunrin. "They had a 12-hour activation time so by the time they were ready to activate, my sister was dead. "It was really a devastating time for me and I started thinking about whether I should be in England talking about healthcare in Africa, or I should be in Africa dealing with healthcare and trying to do something about it." Orekunrin did the latter. Motivated by the tragic death of her sister, the young doctor decided to leave behind a high-flying job in the UK to take to the Nigerian skies and address the vital issue of urgent healthcare in Africa's most populous country. Read this: Private jets spread their wings in Africa A pioneering entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity, Orekunrin set up Flying Doctors Nigeria, the first air ambulance service in West Africa, transporting victims of medical emergencies, including industrial workers from the country's booming oil and gas sector. "There was a situation in Nigeria where there were only two or three very good hospitals and they were sometimes a two, three, four-day journey away from the places where incidents happened," says Orekunrin. "We also have a huge oil and gas industry and at that time there was no coordinated system for moving people from the offshore environment to a hospital to receive treatment." Currently in its third year, the Lagos-based company has so far airlifted about 500 patients, using a fleet of planes and helicopters to rapidly move injured workers and critically ill people from remote areas to hospitals. "From patients with road traffic trauma, to bomb blast injuries to gunshot wounds, we save lives by moving these patients and providing a high level of care en route," says Orekunrin. "Many of our roads are poorly maintained, so emergency transport by road during the day is difficult. At night, we have armed robbers on our major highways; coupled with poor lighting and poor state of the roads themselves, emergency transport by road is deadly for both patients and staff." Flying helicopters, speaking Japanese At 27, there isn't much Orekunrin hasn't achieved. Born in London, she grew up in a foster home in the charming seaside town of Lowestoft in the south-east of England. Aged 21, Orekunrin had already graduated from the University of York as a qualified doctor. She was then awarded the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship and moved to Japan to conduct research in the field of regenerative medicine. After moving back to Europe the young doctor looked set for a promising career in medicine in the UK. But her desire to improve healthcare services in West Africa brought her back to her roots. Orekunrin quit her job, sold her assets and went on to study evacuation models and air ambulance services in other developing countries before launching her ambitious venture, which enables her to combine her "deep love for medicine and Africa" with her growing passion for flying -- Orekunrin is also a also a trainee helicopter pilot. "I wanted to find a way that I can facilitate people who were critically ill," she says. "Get them to see a doctor, and not just any doctor -- I wanted to facilitate getting the right patient to the right facility, within the right time frame for that particular illness, and that's why I came to start the air ambulance." Last month, the World Economic Forum recognized Orekunrin's achievements by naming her amongst its prestigious Young Global Leaders class of 2013, a group it describes as the best of today's leaders under the age of 40. "It came as a surprise to me actually," she says of the honor. "I'm really flattered and really happy." Trauma epidemic Nigeria, Africa's second-biggest economy, is the continent's top producer of oil, boasting huge petroleum and natural gas reserves. The industry's potential, coupled with a growing financial services sector, is expected to help drive further demand for companies such as Flying Doctors Nigeria, which works on a retainership basis with the public sector, wealthy individuals and oil and gas companies. Yet Orekunrin says that there are still several challenges that need to be navigated to successfully run a company like hers in the West African country. "The aviation business is very expensive in Nigeria," she says. "Keeping costs down is always a challenge," she adds, noting that red tape and bureaucracy are also testing small businesses' endurance. But despite the challenges, Orekunrin remains determined to bring about change in Nigeria's healthcare system. "I want to achieve a proper use of the healthcare sector in Nigeria," she says. Read this: One woman's mission to fix water crisis Looking ahead, Orekunrin says her goal is to continue improving access to treatment while focusing on the pre-hospital and in-hospital management of injuries. She says that whilst much attention and funding is directed toward infectious diseases, Africa is also facing a big problem treating physical injuries and wounds. "Eighty percent of the world trauma occurs in low-middle income countries just like Nigeria," she says. "I feel there should be more focus on the trauma epidemic that Africa currently faces." "In the UK, I would see one gunshot wound every three or four years. In Nigeria, I see one gunshot wound every three-four days. Add in the road-traffic trauma, falls from heights, industrial injuries, stab sounds, injuries from domestic violence and you see a huge problem that definitely needs addressing." http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/08/world/africa/ola-orekunrin-flying-doctors-nigeria/ 5 Likes
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Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by IB5(f): 1:34am On Apr 09, 2013 |
MODERATOR I am watching you in 3D if this my thread won't make the front page . Never had any thread at the front page this year 2 Likes
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Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 1:34am On Apr 09, 2013 |
What a positive story! Kudos to Ola for her efforts. 4 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by EkoAtlantic: 2:53am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Omo ...... ni mi o ... Swagger 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by obowunmi(m): 3:22am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Braces for her teeth pls.... |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 3:24am On Apr 09, 2013 |
obowunmi: Braces for her teeth pls.... Nah, she is okay. *mods, frontpage please* |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by imperiouxx(m): 3:36am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Helicopter ambulance only for the rich. 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:31am On Apr 09, 2013 |
So this fraud is just reaching nairaland |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:32am On Apr 09, 2013 |
nwando: So this fraud is just reaching nairaland How is it fraud? |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:38am On Apr 09, 2013 |
This was her interview last year with punch. The lies highlighted The girl did not graduate at 21 She was just out of med school,and could not smell a post with British medical association and certainly did not leave any lucrative career
Pay attention to the highlighted part 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:42am On Apr 09, 2013 |
nwando: This was her interview last year with punch. Wow! I'm simply flabbergasted |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:46am On Apr 09, 2013 |
This is from her website
Now she has gone from youngest doctor to one of the youngest doctors to graduate? How did a 26 yr old in 2012 who claims to be a graduate at 21 have a 10 year working experience in the NHS? http://www.flyingdoctorsnigeria.com/team.htm Keep following me,there is more 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:49am On Apr 09, 2013 |
nwando: This is from her website This is getting interesting. She may be sued for fraud, of she steps foot into the UK. 4 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 4:54am On Apr 09, 2013 |
In her interview with ladybrille Nigeria she says and I quote
How did that happen? The London bombings happened in 2005 She was 19 then and still in med school all the way in York not London How did she work through the bombings? Hehehehehe 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 5:00am On Apr 09, 2013 |
LMAO This girl don enter trouble o. This will be a permanent stain on her 'career'. 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 5:13am On Apr 09, 2013 |
I have discussed her case before When we queried how she would have started A levels at the age of 13 to make her graduate med school at 21 and how she had a 10 yr experience with the NHS at the age of 26 plus how she worked in the London underground bombings when she was just 19 and supposedly a med student all the way in York Our Dokita changes her story and responds thus
Hahahaha So now she says she started at 17 Making her 22 or 23 at graduation not 21 so why the initial lies repeated once more in the first post one year after Why tell us about her messenger job at 14 at an NHS facility as job experience? Someone eventually told her NHS does not employ minors and she didn't give a response This was by an NHS doctor in that conversation This lady is simply a product of this system exploiting the weaknesses in the system. 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 5:19am On Apr 09, 2013 |
LWKMD This is really a 'superstory'. Oga Nwando, u too much. The worst thing is that her pics are now in a public forum; she has truly met her Waterloo. 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by lagcity(m): 5:41am On Apr 09, 2013 |
it is possible to do disaster relief work while in med school. it is not extraordinary. it is also possible to have 10 yrs experience just 5 or 6 yrs after med school if you do not throw away med school experience, and yes med school counts as experience in medicine! haters, fvck off and go troll elsewhere. at 27, nwando was still writing JAMB 5 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 5:45am On Apr 09, 2013 |
lagcity: it is possible to do disaster relief work while in med school. it is not extraordinary. it is also possible to have 10 yrs experience just 5 or 6 yrs after med school if you do not throw away med school experience, and yes med school counts as experience in medicine!Bwahahahaha 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 5:46am On Apr 09, 2013 |
CFCFool:
^^^ She is now on CNN, recognized worldwide while you and the other foolish bigoted igbo toad Lol? Now, get back to the flipping of burger before our customer get agry.
^ No one can achieve this in your entire lineage! Fools!! 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by babsomotde(m): 7:10am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Whether she is 21 or 28, my happiness for her is that she is a medical doctor with new innovation. Though, the lie has to be corrected but this is an encouragement for the kids and youths coming behind her to think out of the box. Thank God. Dr. BABS OF www.edubabs.com |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by BlackBaron: 7:32am On Apr 09, 2013 |
It is indeed possible to work for the NHS from a young age. If you show flair and interest, your NHS trust would take you on with minor roles in the beginning to more advanced levels as you advance in your studies. It's one of the easiest ways to get in to the National Health Service and quite a few use this route. Positive story. Wish her all the best. |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 7:36am On Apr 09, 2013 |
In the words of Fela " doctor wey dey do like lawyer na suwegbe eeee, na suwegbeee oooo" |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 7:39am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Legit1: In the words of Fela " doctor wey dey do like lawyer na suwegbe eeee, na suwegbeee oooo"Or "Carpenter wey no know him work na suwegbee oo" |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Popowaa: 7:52am On Apr 09, 2013 |
CFCfan: What a positive story! Kudos to Ola for her efforts. |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by gunuvi(m): 8:52am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Nice one for the rich. Why don't you come up with a project that will be targeted at the poor citizens? Cos even the middle class won't be able to afford your services |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 9:07am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Bravo, Ola! |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 9:23am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Amusing how some people who cannot provide keke napep to help the sick in their villages are trying to run down this amazing young woman. 4 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Ngwakwe: 9:48am On Apr 09, 2013 |
How is she different from a certificate forger Sanusi Buhari who was competently doing well in piloting the affairs of NASS. Using lies to sell to the public the credentials and experience you never possess is tantamount to 419 Most Nigerians are competent in one occupation or the other without classroom degrees and there is no need to claim what you are not, if you can carry out your job successful to a certified standard. 5 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by dridowu: 9:54am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Keep it up sis |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by Nobody: 9:56am On Apr 09, 2013 |
babsomotde: Whether she is 21 or 28, my happiness for her is that she is a medical doctor with new innovation. Though, the lie has to be corrected but this is an encouragement for the kids and youths coming behind her to think out of the box. Thank God.Hmn. Yeah I love the babe sha with her achievements. But the lies too much naa. 2 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's First Flying Doctor Saving Lives In Nigeria- CNN by nairaman66(m): 10:04am On Apr 09, 2013 |
Quite Inspirational! Hope some day she flies to 9ja.. Because we are in dire need of an Ambulance!! |
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