In this thread, Doc Charlton, who tweets @tweetMOPOL pinpoints a major reason sick folks die in Nigeria.
Non compliance to medications is a big cause of death in Nigeria.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
I've been a critique of our healthcare while abroad and I've also practiced here. And there are so many things I've noticed.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
We blame govt and healthcare workers for everything when there's a big problem with our health seeking practices.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Let me give 2 scenarios. Patient A is abroad, patient B is in Nigeria.
What I'm about giving you is the frequent trend.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Patient A and B came with erectile dysfunction. Tests were done, they were told they were diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
They are both counseled and placed on medications. Patient A pays attention during counseling. Patient B just wants his erection back
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Patient A and B somehow forget to take precautions and step on a glass on the ground at home. Small wound. No big deal. They think
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
After 5 days, wound is not healing at all. Patient A remembers what he was told about wounds in diabetics. He quickly visits the hospital
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
At the hospital. His blood sugar is monitored, his wound is properly dressed, he's placed on antibiotics. After about a week,he's discharged
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Meanwhile. Good old patient B thinks he stepped on a charm (mind you in diabetics, their pain sensation may be impaired)
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
He visits his pastor. Who tells him not to take any medication. God will heal him. He then places him on fasting and prayers
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
The wound expectedly starts to enlarge. From just a small heel injury to cover the whole foot ascending above the ankle. Just above 2 weeks
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
The leg begins to stink, he starts having fever, feeling very weak. His family members decide to remember the hospital.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Tests are done. And he must be on stronger antibiotics for sometime. Among other medications.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
He has spent a lot and can't cope with the cost of antibiotics. The doses are no more regular. The wound gets so bad it needs amputation.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Patient B calls his pastor again Who exclaims "it is not your portion to lose your foot, pray". Patient refuses amputation.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Patient goes deep into sepsis and is about dying and finally gives consent for amputation. Now, the surgeon is afraid.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
No one wants to take someone who would die in the theatre. After much persuasion and quarrel, the physician convinces the surgeon.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Patient B goes into the theatre and doesn't make it out. His family's response is "that Doctor, that hospital, killed him". The blame game
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Because of their story, many will be deceived. Many will avoid hospitals consult herbalists. Information is power.
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
That story is the difference between an average patient abroad and in Nigerian hospitals (mainly govt hospitals)
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
… So you can't expect healthcare in Nigeria to be perfect when our behavior and especially religion makes it extremely difficult
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
End of story. We all have our part to play. Doctors, nurses and diagnostics need to improve, patients also need to. For their own good
— COC (@TweetMOPOL) September 25, 2016
Make life easier for yourself, your care givers and doctors: take your meds.
