Self-medication, a practice where individuals treat symptoms of illness using various drugs, herbal remedies, or other substances without the guidance of a healthcare professional, has become an increasingly prevalent issue in Nigeria. Initially viewed as a cost-effective and convenient solution, self-medication now poses significant risks to public health. Despite repeated warnings from medical experts, many Nigerians continue to turn to self-medication, largely due to economic constraints, lack of access to healthcare services, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs. However, the potential dangers of this practice—ranging from worsening health conditions to increasing the spread of drug-resistant diseases—are far-reaching and alarming.
One of the most significant factors driving self-medication in Nigeria is the dire state of the healthcare system. High medical costs, long wait times at hospitals, and limited access to healthcare professionals are key reasons why many Nigerians opt for self-treatment. For individuals in rural areas, healthcare facilities are often scarce, and where they exist, are often under-equipped and poorly staffed. This situation pushes many to seek alternatives, such as over-the-counter drugs or herbal treatments, from pharmacies or informal vendors. As a result, self-medication has become a go-to solution for minor ailments, even though it carries substantial risks.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted that self-medication can lead to a host of health complications. Among the most pressing concerns are the misdiagnosis of conditions and the incorrect use of medication. Many ailments share similar symptoms, yet they require vastly different treatments. For instance, malaria, hepatitis, and typhoid fever can present overlapping symptoms like fever and fatigue. Without proper diagnostic testing, individuals may take the wrong medication, which not only fails to address the underlying condition but can also worsen the health issue.
Ultimately, this misuse of medication can result in more severe complications and, in extreme cases, death or permanent disability.
Additionally, the improper use of drugs can have lasting effects on an individual’s health. Medications, even those available over the counter, can have dangerous side effects if not taken according to a healthcare provider’s instructions. Common painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can lead to liver or kidney damage when taken in excess, and the long-term misuse of antibiotics can contribute to the growing global issue of antimicrobial resistance. This resistance makes it harder to treat infections, leading to more severe health crises. Antibiotic misuse is one of the most common and harmful consequences of self-medication, and it significantly contributes to the development of resistant strains of bacteria.
The economic pressures the average Nigerian faces also play a critical role in the prevalence of self-medication. With most of the population living below the poverty line, many Nigerians cannot afford the high costs of professional healthcare. This is compounded by the lack of insurance coverage, as only about 5 per cent of Nigerians are covered under the national health insurance scheme. Without affordable healthcare options, self-medication becomes a more accessible alternative. Herbal remedies, which are often perceived as cheaper and more readily available, have become a go-to treatment for many, even though they carry their own set of risks. The reliance on unregulated herbal concoctions can be particularly dangerous, as many individuals are unaware of the potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Moreover, the continued migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad has exacerbated the situation. According to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, only 58,000 doctors renewed their practice licenses in 2023, a sharp decline due to the ongoing brain drain. The shortage of qualified healthcare professionals means that those who do seek medical care often face long waiting times, further pushing people toward self-medication. With the lack of sufficient medical staff and resources, the quality of care in many Nigerian hospitals is subpar, further discouraging patients from seeking professional help.
A particularly tragic example of the dangers of self-medication is the case of Mama Baye, a mother in Abuja, whose child died after relying on herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs for a week before finally seeking professional medical care. The child had tonsillitis, a condition that could have been easily treated with prompt medical attention, but by the time the child was taken to the hospital, it was too late. This heartbreaking story underscores the critical need for timely medical intervention and the dangers of neglecting professional healthcare in favor of unregulated treatments.
Nigeria’s harsh economic condition is pushing many to make dire choices. There is now growing trend of Nigerians downgrading their healthcare choices due to financial constraints. In many cases, individuals who once sought professional treatment now rely on patent medicine dealers or traditional remedies. This shift reflects a broader pattern in which even those with moderate means are now resorting to self-medication as a way to cope with Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.
This practice jeopardises individual health and complicates medical treatment when individuals finally seek care. Doctors often face greater challenges in diagnosing and treating patients who have been using the wrong medications or have developed complications from inappropriate treatments.
The menace of self-medication is widespread; in Nigeria, almost everyone considers themselves a knowledgeable in health matters. Many individuals dispense medical advice and prescribe medications to others, often without any formal training or understanding of the implications. This contributes to the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, including kidney disease, which is often linked to the misuse of medications. It also highlights the need for greater public education on the risks of self-medication and the importance of seeking professional care.
As a newspaper, we believe that one way to combat this menace is by expanding health insurance coverage and improving access to affordable healthcare. By making healthcare more accessible and affordable, many Nigerians would be less likely to turn to self-medication as a solution.
Government agencies also need to conduct vigorous awareness campaigns to dissuade Nigerians from patronising the plethora of health remedies advertised on the internet and other unregulated health solutions peddled in the streets and in long buses.
Only through these efforts can the harmful practice of self-medication be curtailed, ensuring better health outcomes for all Nigerians.
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