The cost of managing injuries of bomb blast seen at hospitals in eight Nigeria States

International Conference on Forensic Research & Technology

October 15-17, 2012 DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Northshore, USA

Ogebe Onazi

AcceptedAbstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

Background: Recent spates of bomb blast unleashed by terrorists in eight Nigerian States, warranted research into the health cost of managing one of such bomb blast victims. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in one hospital in each of the eight states (Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna and Kano) from 2010-2012 using a cluster sampling method, selecting fifty victims of bomb blast per state. We obtained data from hospital intake billing registers. Results: The following costs reflect the range of in-patient hospital costs only. They do not include follow up treatment, rehabilitation, or mental health counseling. Hospital stays ranged from 4-8 weeks per person. 1. Borno State : 700 USD ? 2000 USD 2. Plateau State: 750 USD ? 3500 USD 3. BauchiState : 720 USD ? 3000 USD 4. Yobe State: 700 USD - 3150 USD 5. Gombe State: 730 USD ? 3350 USD 6. Niger State: 710 USD - 3450 USD 7. Kaduna State: 800 USD - 3750 USD 8. Kano State: 850 USD - 4000 USD Conclusion and Significance: The relevance of this pilot study in identifying the cost of managing injuries of one bomb blast victim exposes an enormous diversion of scarce healthcare resources from care of about 14-80 people. There is an urgent need to prevent violence from these terrorists.

Biography :

Ogebe Onazi, a medical doctor from Jos, Nigeria, serves on the Board of Directors of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), a federation of 63 National affiliates that received the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. Onazi holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Jos, College of Medicine. He has spoken widely at international health events and meetings, and at global disarmament Meetings including the Second Preparatory Committee meeting for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, and has published on peace and health issues.