A Consultant Nephrologist, Dr Theophillus Umeizudike, on Tuesday said many Nigerians could not access adequate medical care due to poverty, ignorance and cost of treatment.

Umeizudike, also a lecturer at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

“The fact that the earning power of people is low discourages them from going for medical check-up in case they find something wrong with their health.

“Many people are also ignorant that simple check-up can detect or prevent diseases like kidney disease or heart problems,’’ he said.
The consultant said that regular free medical screening should be encouraged to enable people to detect and prevent early signs of diseases.

He said the Federal and State Governments should strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable those with health challenges to go for treatment.

“In that way, more people will be encouraged to go for screening to know their health status,’’ Umeizudike said.
The expert urged people to imbibe the culture of healthy living by cutting back on salt intake, do regular exercise, taking fruits and lots of water.

“By the time people cultivate this healthy lifestyle, the chances of coming down with kidney failure or heart disease and high blood pressure will be reduced.

“Many people do not check their Blood Pressures (BP) regularly because, High Blood Pressure (HBP) in over 95 per cent of people do not show symptoms.

“So, if you do not have headaches, a symptom of HBP or pains, you may not bother to see a healthcare provider,’’ Umeizudike said.