NMA warns Rivers residents against self medication, says it destroys body systems, causes death

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Port Harcourt Branch, has warned against self-medication, especially for those that have issues with the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), saying it destroys the body systems and sometimes, leads to death.

ENT surgeons diagnose, evaluate and manage diseases of the head and neck. Their formal title is otorhinolaryngologist or otolaryngologist.

self-medication

He said damage to the eardrum could affect the brain.

The NMA Chairman gave the advice, yesterday in Port Harcourt, during a lecture themed, “The Development of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) in Rivers State” in remembrance of Dr. Chimdi Afuluka Odu, who the association said, sacrificed a lot and set a pace for the ENT department at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

Alikor said, “ENT has significantly developed both in UPTH, and RSUTH. Service delivery has improved strongly. ENT has a cure, the challenge we have is that people do a lot of self-meditation maybe because they feel that the ear pain is not a serious matter, so they will resort to self medications, they will get ear drops and start pouring in the ear whenever they have challenges.

“The ear, nose and throat, are fundamental areas of the body and we have over 10 specialists, and consultants in Rivers State, so those who have challenges in these areas should go for specialist care, poor treatments have led to meningitis and other worsening health problems, so residents should desist from self medications and traditional remedies.”

He noted that Odu laid a solid foundation in the medical profession in the state, especially the otorhinolaryngology unit.

He said, “We are celebrating late Dr. Odu, a foremost ENT surgeon in Rivers State, he played a lot of role on the development of ENT in Rivers State, at a point, he used his personal money to render services at UPTH and BMH.”

The keynote speaker and consultant otorhinolaryngology at UPTH, Dr. Opubo Benedict Lilly -Tariah, said Odu’s exemplary leadership should propel others to emulate him and make the country is a better place for all.