The rising economic challenges in Nigeria are taking a toll on public health, with individuals living with diabetes facing significant barriers to accessing essential medications and supplies. Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, a renowned Professor of Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has voiced his concerns about the increasing difficulty for people with diabetes to afford and access treatment in the country. He has called on both the Federal and state governments to take immediate action in removing these barriers to ensure that people living with diabetes can get the care they need.
Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of Nigerians, requires continuous management through medication, regular check-ups, and access to specific medical supplies like insulin, test strips, and syringes. Unfortunately, the high cost of these supplies, compounded by economic difficulties, has made it increasingly hard for patients to manage their condition effectively. Many Nigerians with diabetes are forced to cut back on medication or forgo regular check-ups due to financial constraints, leading to dangerous health complications.
Professor Fasanmade emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly as the country grapples with inflation, rising costs of living, and a healthcare system that is often underfunded and overburdened. He noted that diabetes care is not a luxury, but a critical need for many Nigerians. Without access to affordable medication and medical care, the consequences for public health could be dire, with a rise in complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations, which are often preventable with proper treatment.
In his statement, the professor urged both the Federal and state governments to prioritize healthcare reform, focusing on making diabetes treatment more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. This includes removing the barriers that prevent people from obtaining necessary medications and supplies, such as high import duties, limited local production of essential drugs, and inadequate health insurance coverage for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Professor Fasanmade's plea is not just a call for more government funding, but also for a strategic approach that involves improving healthcare infrastructure, supporting local pharmaceutical production, and ensuring that health insurance systems provide adequate coverage for chronic diseases. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can make significant progress in improving the health outcomes for people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
In conclusion, as Nigeria continues to face economic difficulties, the government must ensure that healthcare is accessible to all, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes. By removing the barriers to diabetes treatment, Nigeria can not only reduce the burden of disease but also improve the quality of life for millions of its citizens. Professor Olufemi Fasanmade’s call to action serves as an important reminder of the need for policy change that places the health of Nigerians at the forefront.