"Dr. Ebun Bamgboye: Over 80% of End-Stage Kidney Failure Patients Seek Treatment at Advanced Stages"

Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, the Clinical Director of St. Nicholas Hospital, has sounded the alarm about a concerning trend in kidney-related cases at the hospital. According to Dr. Bamgboye, more than 80% of the patients they see with kidney problems are already in the advanced stage of kidney failure, leaving little room for effective treatment.

Speaking during a media briefing to announce the opening of St. Nicholas Hospital in Surulere, Lagos, Dr. Bamgboye, a Nephrologist, expressed his concerns and emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. In response to this pressing healthcare challenge, the hospital has set its sights on providing free health services to the first 200 people in November 2023.

He also called upon the federal government to address the accessibility and quality of basic medications in the country, along with primary healthcare. Dr. Bamgboye stressed the importance of empowering local governments to provide comprehensive care to patients, not just in terms of resources but also in terms of expertise. Additionally, he highlighted the need for training at the grassroots level of healthcare.

He pointed out that one of the factors driving patients away from hospitals is the high cost of medications, leading many Nigerians to seek alternatives like herbalists and prayer houses. Dr. Bamgboye suggested that the government should take a page from countries like India, where drug pricing is regulated to ensure affordability.

Dr. Bamgboye expressed hope that the Minister of Health would take action to improve primary healthcare services and make them more accessible to the population. He cited historical examples of free primary healthcare and stressed that it should be achievable even with the country's oil resources.

Regarding the newly opened St. Nicholas Hospital in Surulere, Dr. Bamgboye described it as the fifth branch, with a mission to provide healthcare services to the growing population in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and universal health coverage. The facility offers a wide range of medical services, including pharmacies, geriatric clinics, and home visits. Dr. Basirat Salami, a family physician, leads the hospital, bringing a wealth of experience to the management of the center.

Furthermore, St. Nicholas Hospital is conducting a free medical outreach program throughout November, offering various medical tests and consultations to the Surulere community. The hospital has a reputation for delivering quality healthcare services at competitive rates and holds international accreditation for quality improvement and patient safety.

In conclusion, St. Nicholas Hospital is committed to addressing the critical issue of kidney-related problems and improving healthcare access in the region while maintaining high standards of quality care.