By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
A Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Public Health expert, Prof. Kenneth Iregbu, urges Nigerians to always consult their healthcare providers first before doing any medical test.
Iregbu, from the National Hospital Abuja, said this on Thursday at the opening of College of Nigerian Pathologists (CNP) 20th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme had the theme “Diagnostic Imperative from the Patient to the Laboratory”.
It also had the sub-theme as: “Medicolegal Flashpoint of Laboratory Medicine Practice in Nigeria”.
In his keynote address, Iregbu emphasised that it was essential that any patient who entered a health care facility on account of illness got a diagnosis of his/her illness.
“It’s not right for people to just enter any laboratory and say they want to do test as being commonly practised.
“Any test you want to do must have a basis; you need to consult your healthcare provider first, who will now decide what is necessary to examine you.
“The physician decides based on your complaints and the findings, the tests that are very essential for you.
“Moreso, the physician needs to have institutional culture that places high value on early identification for appropriate intervention,” he said.
Iregbu enjoined health practitioners to work to eliminate discrimination in health care based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion or any other social categories.
“Despite the emergence of high tech digital system in laboratory practice, we must not forget the essential processes to undergo in the bid to get optimal result and patient care,” he said.
The medical expert also urged healthcare practitioners to engage in lifelong learning and remain competent always.
He enjoined them to comprehensively embark on research to generate new knowledge to perform optimally.
“Managing good relationship with patients also means maintaining professional boundaries.
“The civic is clear that doctors shouldn’t pursue sexual or improper emotional relations with patients,” Iregbu stressed.
The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abiodun Ilesanmi, recognised the inadequacy of man power in pathology sub-specialties in tertiary institutions.
He stressed the need to address the inadequacy as human resources was the greatest weapon to confront the challenges.
“We have to constantly and consistently review and think out of the box to ensure quality delivery of inestimable service to the nation and humanity at large,” he said.
Earlier, the CNP National President, Maj.-Gen. Olatilewa Amusu Rtd, said that the theme of the conference was apt.
Amusu emphasised that pathologists were doctors first and critical medical specialists in diagnosis, effectively relating the critical state of patient with what was done, seen directly by the patient.
“Unfortunately, in carrying out some of our functions, the pathologist is not seen directly by the patient.
“More worrisome is when health workers don’t realise that the training and competence of the laboratory physician enables us to function in clinical and laboratory setting.
“Hence, in spite of our critical contribution to patient management, many don’t know who the pathologist is nor the extent of our contribution to healthcare delivery,” Amusu said.
The LOC Chairman, Dr Uwom Eze, said that for the first time, the college incorporated medical students upon whom the future of pathology in Nigeria and world rests on.
Eze, also the Oyo State CNP chairman, noted that they opened a multidisciplinary interaction with other specialities in medicine, which should continue beyond the confines of the event.
“Patient care is at its best where there is robust communication with collaboration between the doctor of doctors, pathologist and other physicians.
“We must put patients needs first and provide solutions to their needs.
“Pathology is the bedrock of medicine, everyone, all stakeholders and government must come together and let’s focus on patients’ well-being,” he said.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of plaque to the keynote speaker, Iregbu. (NAN)
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