PRECIOUS AZINO USUEMERAI
In the shadows of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges lies a silent epidemic—chronic diseases such
as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Unlike the high-profile battles against
infectious diseases like malaria and typhoid fever, chronic illnesses infiltrate lives quietly, leaving
tragedy in their wake. As a clinical pharmacist and healthcare advocate, I have spent my career
shedding light on these silent killers and pioneering interventions that save lives.
The Unseen Crisis.
Chronic diseases in Nigeria are a hidden yet devastating reality. They are silent predators, often
ignored until they manifest in catastrophic events such as strokes or heart attacks. One
poignant case stands out in my memory—a 42-year-old father of three who collapsed and died
at work. His death, attributed to unmanaged hypertension, underscores the urgent need for
proactive healthcare strategies. Sadly, his story is one of many that I have encountered
throughout my career.
This crisis is exacerbated by a healthcare system focused predominantly on infectious diseases.
While malaria and typhoid fever dominate public discourse, chronic diseases quietly erode
public health. Hypertension alone affects over 30% of Nigerian adults, yet fewer than 10% of
cases are managed effectively. The result is a staggering loss of life and economic productivity,
further straining families and communities.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities,
As a clinical pharmacist, I have taken an active leadership role in combating chronic diseases.
Recognizing the gap in early detection and management, I pioneered initiatives that reposition
pharmacies as centers of community health. By integrating preventive care services such as
blood pressure monitoring and glucose testing into routine pharmacy visits, I have redefined the
role of pharmacists in Nigeria.
One success story involved a young man who visited my pharmacy for a minor ailment. A
routine blood pressure check revealed dangerously high levels. My immediate intervention likely
prevented a life-threatening event. Such moments validate my vision of transforming
pharmacies into preventive care hubs.
Breaking Cultural Barriers.
Nigeria’s cultural attitudes often hinder effective chronic disease management. Sudden deaths
are frequently attributed to supernatural causes, and long-term medication adherence is
misunderstood. Through targeted educational campaigns, I have challenged these
misconceptions, fostering a culture of awareness and proactive health management.
In my practice, patient counseling has been a cornerstone of my work. A simple conversation
has often uncovered underlying conditions such as undiagnosed hypertension or diabetes. My
efforts in patient education have not only saved lives but also shifted perceptions, empowering
individuals to take charge of their health.
Visionary Leadership in Public Health.
My advocacy extends beyond individual patient care. I have collaborated with public health
organizations to design and implement community-wide health initiatives. For instance,
spearheaded a program that trained pharmacists to identify early signs of chronic diseases,
enhancing their capacity to act as frontline healthcare providers. By emphasizing preventive
care, these initiatives have had a measurable impact on reducing hospital admissions related to
chronic conditions.
Additionally, I have worked with policymakers to integrate pharmacy-led health screenings into
Nigeria’s national healthcare strategy. My contributions have laid the groundwork for systemic
changes that prioritize early detection and management of chronic diseases, ensuring long-term
public health benefits.
Pioneering a Healthier Future
My vision for Nigeria’s healthcare system is ambitious yet attainable: a future where every
pharmacy serves as a beacon of preventive care, and pharmacists are empowered as primary
healthcare providers. I have advocated for the integration of mobile health technologies to
enhance medication adherence and patient education, bridging gaps in access and knowledge.
Through partnerships with NGOs and government agencies, I have mobilized resources to
underserved communities, ensuring that life-saving interventions reach the most vulnerable
populations. My leadership in this space has demonstrated the transformative power of
pharmacy-driven healthcare solutions.
A Call to Action
Addressing the silent epidemic of chronic diseases in Nigeria requires bold leadership and
innovative solutions. My journey as a pharmacist has been defined by a commitment to
excellence, a dedication to saving lives, and a vision for systemic change. By challenging the
status quo and driving forward impactful initiatives, I have positioned myself as a leader in the
fight against chronic diseases.
The fight is far from over, but I am determined to continue this work. Together, through
collaboration and innovation, we can rewrite the narrative of healthcare in Nigeria and inspire
global action against chronic diseases.
4th August 2019
Revolutionizing Healthcare in Nigeria: The Power of Pharmacy-Laboratory Collaborations
By Precious Azino Usuemerai
Healthcare in Nigeria is undergoing a quiet yet profound transformation. In the face of systemic
challenges, a revolutionary model is emerging: pharmacy-laboratory collaborations.These
integrated healthcare hubs provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care, addressing
critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. As a clinical pharmacist and innovator in this
space, I have had the privilege of contributing to and witnessing the remarkable impact of these
collaborations on patient outcomes and public health.
The Traditional Healthcare Challenge.
For decades, accessing healthcare in Nigeria has been a daunting journey for many. The
process—marked by consultation fees, long queues, fragmented services, and prohibitive
costs—often discourages patients from seeking care. Many conditions remain undiagnosed or
untreated, resulting in preventable complications and deaths.
The disconnect between diagnosis, treatment, and medication access has long been a barrier to
effective healthcare delivery. Patients with limited resources are frequently left to navigate a
complex system on their own. For uninsured Nigerians, this is not merely inconvenient—it is
life-threatening.
Collaborative Healthcare in Action.
Pharmacy-laboratory collaborations have redefined this narrative. At facilities like CityMart
Pharmaceuticals and Laboratories and INVIVO Health and Beauty in Abuja, I have worked
within these systems to demonstrate the transformative potential of integrated care. These
setups bring diagnostic services, consultation, and medication access under one roof, creating a
seamless experience for patients.
At CityMart, for instance, patients can receive diagnostic tests, consult with a prescriber, and
obtain their medications in one visit. As a pharmacist, I took a proactive role in reviewing
laboratory results and prescriptions to ensure optimal patient care. In one case, a young woman
with anemia was prescribed an effective treatment plan but lacked critical iron supplementation.
By collaborating with the prescriber, I ensured her treatment was comprehensive, leading to a
swift recovery.
Similarly, at INVIVO Health and Beauty, where I worked part-time in their clinical pharmacy, I
collaborated with prescribers to provide cost-effective alternatives for patients. One retired
teacher, burdened by the cost of branded hypertension medication, found relief through a
high-quality generic alternative I recommended after consulting with his doctor. Such interventions not only improve patient outcomes but also build trust in the healthcare system.
Why This Model Works.
The success of pharmacy-laboratory collaborations lies in their emphasis on accessibility,
affordability, and collaboration. This model addresses critical challenges in traditional healthcare
systems:
- Cost Reduction: By co-locating services, operational expenses are minimized, and
savings are passed on to patients. This approach ensures that essential healthcare is
within reach for underserved populations.
- Efficiency: With diagnostic tests, consultations, and medication access centralized,
patients receive timely care, reducing delays that could exacerbate their conditions.
- Improved Outcomes: Pharmacists in these settings actively contribute to treatment
optimization, ensuring that prescriptions align with diagnostic results and patient needs.
This collaborative approach enhances therapeutic success and fosters adherence.
A Catalyst for Systemic Change
These collaborative models are not just innovative—they are essential in addressing Nigeria’s
healthcare disparities. Over 60% of Nigerians lack health insurance, and many insured
individuals face inadequate coverage. By bridging the gap between quality and affordability,
pharmacy-laboratory setups provide a sustainable solution for equitable healthcare access.
One unforgettable case involved Mr. Bayo, a patient at CityMart Laboratories who came for a
malaria test but disclosed persistent chest discomfort. My intervention prompted immediate
diagnostic testing, revealing untreated hypertension. That visit likely saved his life. Stories like
his underscore the life-saving potential of collaborative care.
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Impact.
Despite their success, pharmacy-laboratory collaborations face challenges. Expanding to rural
areas requires overcoming infrastructure limitations, ensuring quality control, and investing in
training healthcare professionals for collaborative roles.
Technology offers promising solutions. Implementing electronic health records can facilitate
seamless communication among providers, while mobile health applications can enhance
patient engagement by delivering test results, reminders, and educational resources directly to
their phones.
A Vision for the Future.
My vision for Nigeria’s healthcare system is one where pharmacy-laboratory collaborations
become the norm, providing equitable and patient-centered care. Imagine a healthcare
landscape where every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access diagnostic
tests, consultations, and medications efficiently and affordably.
At the heart of this vision is collaboration—between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and
technology innovators. With strategic investments and partnerships, this model can be scaled
nationally, revolutionizing healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Leading the Charge.
As a clinical pharmacist, I have been at the forefront of this transformative movement. By
advocating for collaborative care models and actively participating in their implementation, I
have demonstrated leadership in addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing healthc
challenges. These pharmacy-laboratory setups are more than healthcare facilities—they are
lifelines, offering hope and healing to countless Nigerians.
The future of healthcare in Nigeria is bright, driven by innovative solutions like
pharmacy-laboratory collaborations. Together, we can build a healthcare system that leaves no
one behind—a system that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and quality for all.
For a better society
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