Experts identify lapses in health care delivery in Nigeria

Chairman, Pain and Palliative Care Committee of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Dr Israel Kolawole, has criticised the nation's health care system, saying the relief of suffering as a goal of medical care has been subjugated or lost.He said Nigeria medical setting only emphasised quest to achieve cure and/or prolongation of life at all cost, adding that 'our healthcare package does not fully address the emotional, spiritual and psychology suffering faced by patients with life-threatening illnesses'.Speaking at the 2011 World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, with the theme: Many diseases, many lives, many voices-palliative care for non-communicable conditions, in Ilorin recently, Dr Kolawole, said cancer, HIV/AIDS and other advanced progressive life-threatening diseases pose enormous psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that can be met most effectively by health care workers who have practical knowledge and skills.He said a dedicated day care hospice, as practised in other parts of the world, would enable the patients receive attention in all aspects of their illness and suffering, and provide a forum for them to meet with others in similar situations to themselves in a friendly social/non-clinical environment.He, therefore, called for donations to help build a hospice that is planned for the hospital.Also speaking, the wife of the Kwara State governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, promised to be at fore fore-front of advocacy for the people that need palliative care to overcome depression among other sufferings.Represented at the occasion by the Special Assistant On Special Duties, Hajia Amina Kannike, Mrs Ahmed said the health condition could happen to anyone, adding that there is need for one to be sensitive and care for such people in our midst.She said her pet project called LEAH Charity Foundation would do more to give financial assistance and drugs to those in need, calling on well-to-do Nigerians to help in the building of the hospice in the hospital.
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