Experts seek better deal for diabetic patients

Stakeholders in the nation’s health sector have called on the Federal Government to subsidise medication and ancillary activities for diabetic patients nationwide.

Speaking after an awareness walk organised by ISN Products Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Isolo-Oshodi Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Lagos, the National Coordinator, Stop Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Dr. Adefila Soyingbe, stressed that in view of the high incidence of the silent-killer ailment, it was important that government reduces tariff on drugs and employ more medical personnel to adequately tender the citizens.

The call for engagement of more medics followed his observation of one to 6000 ratio of doctor-patients in the country, as against the one to 600 recommendation by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He noted that early detection of the disease remains veritable, urging Nigerians to always go for screening.

According to the Diabetes Nurse Educator, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Confidence Amuneke, the theme of this year’s event, Diabetes and Women, was apt. She decried the continued stigmatisation of female patients by the society, urging government to assist victims by subsidising the cost of test, drugs and necessary medications to allow the people know their status early.

Amuneke noted that early detection makes for good management of the disease, just as she emphasized on healthy lifestyle to check the ailment. She advised that patients and non-patients should take foods rich in fibre as antidote.

To the Divisional Training Adviser, Red Cross, Daniel Blessing, said his organisation’s involvement was consistent with its mission of bettering humanity.

He noted that the awareness was imperative following the huge number of Nigerians living with diabetes, adding that early detection remains key.

He advised the citizens to undergo tests in order to know their status as well as live healthily.