Clement Osime, a professor of surgery and barrister-at-law, has charged Nigerian medical doctors and surgeons to be proficient and minimise errors during surgery, so as to avoid court cases.

The professor of Surgical Oncology gave this advice while delivering the 164th inaugural lecture of University of Benin (UNIBEN).  In his lecturer titled, Medicine, Law And Ethics: Is There A Meeting Point- The Role Of The Surgeon, Osime said the era of ‘doctor knows it all’ is gone, as patients are becoming aware of their rights.

He stated that the rising cases of medical negligence by surgeons are becoming disturbing, especially as this has led to litigations in court.

“The most common of these is duodenal cancer, which presents as acute appendicitis. Most patients are taken to the theatre for appendicitis is done. Months later the symptoms reappear. While some lucky patients survive, others die before coming back for another surgery. There is the need for surgeons to understand the principle of good diagnosis before surgeries are done.”

He went on to fault Nigerians for what he termed late presentation of cases at the hospitals and bemoaned the activities of ‘fake pastors’ who discourage their members from going for medical check-up because they perform miracle.

Osime, whose concern for the high incidence of breast cancer made him establish the Total Health Care Breast Cancer Advocacy Centre to enlighten the public on the menace, said this disease can be cured if patients detect it early and come for treatment.

He added that the age long belief that breast cancer is an automatic death sentence is long gone. He encouraged people, particularly women to always examine their breasts and come early for treatment, as it is the only way of surviving the disease.

Osime said: “Most women come here late. They are even afraid of losing their breast. Lots of remedies are now available. Women can now use breast pad after the surgery and no one will know they have lost any of their breasts. Also, the plastic surgeons here in UBTH help during the surgeries such that there is emphasis on cosmetic appearance after the surgeries.”

In his recommendation, he called for more public awareness on breast cancer, immediate passage of the National Health Bill, alternative dispute resolution and making of medical ethics a core part of medical curriculum.

He added that consultants should ensure they carry out good mentorship of young doctors, while encouraging patients to always ensure they report airing doctors to hospital management and the Medical and Dental Council as well as take legal actions against them to serve as deterrent to others.

In his synopsis, Prof Faraday Orumwense , VC, UNIBEN who chaired the lecture commended Osime for what he termed a ‘Scholarly lecture.’