Dr. Temitope Okunola, a senior registrar at the Department of Family Medicine in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, expressed concern over the rising number of patients presenting with severe organ damage, such as liver or kidney failure, often arriving at the hospital with no prior symptoms.
Speaking at a preventive health initiative organized by the old student association of Ojokoro High School in Lagos State, Dr. Okunola emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing irreversible organ damage.
He highlighted that many patients seek medical attention only after experiencing significant organ damage, attributing this trend to factors such as self-medication and the misuse of herbal remedies. Dr. Okunola stressed the dangers of unregulated herbal concoctions and urged people to only take medications under the supervision of a medical professional.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of regular health check-ups, stating that hospitals should not be solely associated with sickness but also viewed as places for preventive care. Dr. Okunola emphasized the need for people to be proactive about their health, particularly in monitoring conditions like high blood pressure, which can be asymptomatic yet potentially fatal if left untreated.
Chris Okhumale, the president of the old student association, outlined the health initiative’s objectives, including providing screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, distributing medications and mosquito nets, and facilitating referrals for further medical evaluation and treatment when necessary.
He emphasized the continuity of the program, with plans for future initiatives to ensure ongoing support for community health and wellness.
