"A Second Lease of Life: My Ordeal in the Nigerian Medical System"
Yusuph Olaniyonu, a former Commissioner for Information in Ogun State, shares his harrowing experience in the Nigerian medical system. Despite being a healthy individual, he was misdiagnosed and underwent multiple surgeries, resulting in a series of complications. In this article, Olaniyonu recounts his journey, highlighting the flaws in the Nigerian healthcare system and the importance of regular check-ups.
The Ordeal:
Olaniyonu’s story begins with a routine medical check-up, which revealed an enlarged prostate. He was advised to undergo surgery, but his urologist raised concerns about the potential risks. Despite this, Olaniyonu went ahead with the surgery, which resulted in a series of complications, including a ruptured bladder and internal damage.
The Descent into Chaos:
Olaniyonu’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His family and friends rallied around him, but the medical team seemed overwhelmed and ineffective. It was only when influential figures, including the Chairman of THISDAY and Arise TV, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, and the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, intervened that Olaniyonu received proper attention.
The Egyptian Miracle:
After several months of treatment in Nigeria, Olaniyonu was flown to Egypt for further surgery. At Neuro Espitalia, a hospital in Cairo, he underwent a successful operation to clean an abscess in his cervical vertebrae. The surgical team, led by Prof. Ibrahim Lotfy, was able to stabilize his cervical vertebrae and expand the neural canal.
Recovery and Reflection:
Olaniyonu’s recovery was slow and arduous, but he credits his Egyptian doctors and physiotherapist, Ahmed El-Sanadidy, with helping him regain his strength and mobility. He reflects on the lessons he learned during his ordeal, including the importance of gratitude, humility, and the need to take nothing for granted.
The Nigerian Medical System:
Olaniyonu’s experience highlights the flaws in the Nigerian medical system, including:
- Lack of accountability: Medical professionals seem to operate with impunity, and patients are often left to fend for themselves.
- Inefficient treatment: Patients are often subjected to unnecessary procedures, and treatment is often ineffective.
- Expensive care: Government hospitals charge exorbitant fees, and patients are expected to pay for "utility fees" and medication.
- Lack of commitment: Health workers in public hospitals seem to lack a sense of purpose and do not prioritize patient care.
Olaniyonu’s story serves as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government, professional bodies, and training institutions to address the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare system. He urges patients to be proactive in seeking medical attention and to demand better care from healthcare providers. Ultimately, Olaniyonu’s experience is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the importance of seeking medical attention when needed.
