Doctors’ poor attitude impacts healthcare delivery

Dennis Ashley Wellness Centre ( DAWC) the first clinical facility in Nigeria that is primarily dedicated to promote wellness as a lifestyle has said that doctors’ poor attitude healthcare delivery now constitute a significant challenge in the health sector of the country.

The facility organised a free medical outreach in Lagos, which gave the opportunity for lagosians to meet health experts who provided full range of health services of checking their blood pressure, sugar level, preventive cancer screenings, administration of drugs and focal glasses for eye correction.

Ikunna Onwuanibe, consultant general practitioner, (DAWC) said healthcare are increasing at a fast pace, government collaboration with private sectors will close the huge gaps in the health sector of Nigeria.

“Doctors’ poor attitude influences healthcare delivery and should be improved to ensure quality and safety of services rendered to patient, because healthcare is for all and it isn’t about the government alone” Onwuanibe said.

Onwuanibe noted that success in quality improvement requires changes in attitude as well as behaviour; however, she urge that federal government to do more in availabilities of facilities, make test for common chronic diseases free and negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to bring down prices of medicine so as people can afford drug prices.

Chima Oti, medical director (DAWC) said the free medical outreach is to impact on the common man in order to access healthcare and give opportunity to create more awareness and educate the public.

According to Oti, Nigeria health sector could be better because there are a lot of things that can be better , noting that if many medics set aside either money, equipment or render services to people so as to access care, it will impact on the common man.

“There is a need to create more awareness for more people to get themselves screened, that is why Dennis Ashley Wellness Centre is doing this to help individuals to become more aware of healthy choices towards a balanced and fulfilling life and promote wellness as a lifestyle” Oti said.

In addition Chinenye Imo, Chief Optometrist, Visio Eyecare Plus said, eye issues are complicated; this outreach is helpful for the low income earners in the country who cannot afford to pay their bills.

she urge that Nigerians should have comprehensive checks of their eyes once in a year, to avoid blindness, stating that early detection is the key and prevention is better than cure.

ANTHONIA OBOKOH