FUTH Lafia Management and Stakeholders Converge to Chart a New Course for Autopsy Services in Nasarawa

The Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (FUTHL), through its Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, has launched a major advocacy drive to promote and standardise autopsy services within the hospital and across Nasarawa State.

The initiative was highlighted during a specialized presentation delivered by Dr. Othman Ishaku, which triggered a high-level dialogue between medical professionals, law enforcement, and religious leaders on the cultural and scientific importance of post-mortem examinations.

The Chief Medical Director of FUTHL, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, emphasized that creating public awareness is the first step toward overcoming traditional hesitations surrounding autopsies. He pledged the management’s full support for the department, noting that increased engagement is essential to demystify the process and highlight its role in medical justice and public health.

A critical intervention came from ACP Ndukwe Chiedozie, who noted that the Nigeria Police Command is "in dire need" of professional autopsy services more than any other institution. He called for a formalized partnership with the hospital to ensure that forensic evidence is available for legal and investigative purposes.

The engagement marks a pivotal step in positioning FUTHL as a regional hub for forensic medicine, ensuring that Nasarawa State adopts modern standards for determining causes of death and advancing medical research.