A surgeon at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Professor Ismail Lawal has urged government at all levels to establish burn centres in the country.

He also canvassed the formation of disaster management teams that will map out disaster plans.

Lawal spoke at the 122nd inaugural lecture of UNILORIN in Ilorin, Kwara State. The lecture was entitled: A plastic and reconstructive surgeon in a developing country: Practice and prospects.

He added that establishment of burn centres would transform the management of burn injuries in Nigeria.

His words: "We have the expertise; all we are asking for is a well-equipped centre and we shall be able to bring down the mortality of burn patients to the level that is obtained in developed countries.

"Preventive measures to help epileptics avoid injuries, such as burn injuries while cooking at home, are extremely important. They must never be allowed to cook alone without someone beside them.

"There should be legislation in controlling the sales of concentrated sulphuric acid by roadside battery chargers or any persons who might have access to the products."

The don urged Nigerians to embrace cosmetic surgery, adding that "Nigerians do not need to travel to Europe, the United States or even Asian countries spending huge amount of money for a service that can be provided within.

"Micro vascular surgery is still at its infancy age in our sub-region. We need to train more personnel, make appropriate instruments available and in this 21st century, we should be able to be at par with our colleagues in the developed countries."

He enjoined more surgeons to specialise in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

"This will improve the availability of the specialty spread across the country and thus increase the service delivery in this sub-region," Lawal said.