Angela Onwuzoo
The Chief Medical Director of Medics Partners Multi Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Busola Ayelowo-Eso, has said preventive care which involves regular medical check-ups is crucial to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Preventive medicine is the practice of promoting preventive health care to improve patient well-being.
Ayelowo-Eso said regular medical check-ups would not only aid the early detection of diseases but would help to reduce complications that could be detrimental or cause death.
She urged Nigerians to embrace comprehensive health checks and not wait until they are sick.
Ayelowo-Eso disclosed this during the hospital’s launch of advanced procedures that promote preventive healthcare and reduce the high-cost burden of curative therapies among Nigerians.
The general physician said the multi-specialist wellness centre located in Victoria Island would assist Nigerians in navigating the challenging economic climate by providing preventive care and increasing awareness of their health conditions.
The CMD said the disturbing prevalence of preventable diseases in Nigeria informed the establishment of the centre, especially the rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and heart diseases, among others.
She expressed concern that despite a significant increase in awareness of preventing these killer diseases, many were still not keen on undertaking comprehensive medical screening.
Ayelowo-Eso said, “A lot of Nigerians have this I don’t-care attitude of if it’s not disturbing me, why should I look for it?
“So, preventive medicine is one specialty that hasn’t gotten so much awareness. Nigerians don’t believe in treating what is not broken.
“We still have a long way to go in preventive medicine because the World Health Organisation says that at least once a year an average person or an individual should have a medical check-up.”
Continuing, she noted, “In Nigeria, until they start feeling ill, they don’t go to the hospital. So, until we get to that point where everybody knows that once a year, I should check myself irrespective of how I feel, we are not there yet. It’s a growing concern that is being addressed daily.”
She disclosed that the founders of Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital had invested in advanced diagnostic and treatment services to aid early detection and management.
“Specifically, the facility operates with advanced imaging technologies including digital X-rays, and 4D ultrasound, which provide high-resolution images that allow for accurate and early diagnosis of various conditions.
“It runs a fully automated laboratory that provides comprehensive laboratory services from routine blood work to specialised diagnostics like genetic and molecular diagnostics, within a short time.
“The automation minimises human involvement and reduces the risk of errors in terms of reporting. In terms of kidney care, the facility is equipped with a six-bedded dialysis unit to tackle renal issues among an estimated 50 million Nigerians who were affected”, the physician said.
Ayelowo-Eso also said the facility has a fully functional cardiac unit where stress tests, procedures, and other heart-related screenings are conducted.
“Other specialties are endoscopy and minimally invasive surgeries where its surgical team specialises in minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.
“It offers a comprehensive wellness program where we provide holistic wellness check-ups that include advanced diagnostic tests, personalised health assessments, and preventive care strategies, helping patients maintain their health and prevent diseases.
“These advanced services reflect our commitment to providing world-class healthcare and ensuring that our patients have access to the best diagnostic and treatment options available”, she added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Medics Partners, Akin Eso, said the centre would prioritise exceptional patient experience with good practices aligned with international standards.
He emphasised that the facility was equipped to bridge the gap for those seeking quality healthcare locally, having assembled top medical expertise and technologies.
“This reduces the need for medical tourism, providing solutions in Nigeria. The facility operates with a dedicated team of approximately 40 medical professionals and 15 support staff.
“The medical team includes specialists in family medicine, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, paediatrics, and geriatrics”, Eso said.
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