Lagos: Some Nigerians who have hypertension have decried the high cost of treatment and shared their experiences and challenges in managing the condition. The individuals, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, highlighted difficulties in accessing healthcare and adhering to treatment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Benjamin Iwu, a 41-year-old teacher, said he was diagnosed with hypertension six years ago and had struggled to cope with the financial burden of purchasing medication. He mentioned that the stress from his teaching work increased his blood pressure, making it difficult to afford his medications. Despite his busy schedule, he emphasized the importance of finding time to rest, as it helps reduce his blood pressure.
Mrs. Stella Machukwu, an accountant, described her condition as inconsistent, noting that it comes and goes. She relies on rest when stressed and is not on antihypertensive medication. Meanwhile, Mrs. Belynda Emerulam, a fashion designer, attributed her high blood pressure to her workload, and acknowledged that adequate rest and medication have helped her manage the condition. Her doctor advised her to reduce her daily workload and rest when feeling dizzy or overwhelmed. She urged others to accept their condition, go for regular check-ups, and adhere to their medication regimen.
Some herbal medicine sellers claimed that herbal remedies could effectively treat hypertension. A seller at Ikotun Market, identified as Iya Aro, suggested that patients achieve better results when preparing herbs themselves. Another seller, Iya Mustapha, mentioned that the severity of the condition determined the treatment and cost, with the least amount charged for treatment being N10,000.
An expert, however, cautioned against purchasing drugs from unlicensed sources, including local concoctions, warning that such practices could lead to complications. Mrs. Elizabeth Okpala, a pharmacist, advised that medicines should only be obtained from registered pharmacies and licensed healthcare facilities. She discussed the different classes of antihypertensive drugs, noting that side effects vary depending on the prescribed medication. Dizziness and erectile dysfunction were highlighted as common side effects experienced by patients.
Okpala, owner of Richprest Pharmacy, emphasized the role of pharmacists in promoting patient education and self-management of hypertension through medical outreaches and radio programmes. She stated that health management is a continuous process, with pharmacists undergoing continuous education to stay updated on new discoveries in hypertension management. She concluded that about 80 to 90 per cent of hypertension cases are managed rather than cured, enabling patients to live quality lives.