The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ebute Metta, Dr. Adedamola Dada, has expressed concern over the increasing number of patients seeking treatment for infertility at the hospital.
Dr. Dada highlighted the pressing need for an In vitro fertilisation (IVF) center in government hospitals as a crucial step in addressing the escalating challenge of infertility. He emphasized that the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting approximately one in six individuals of reproductive age globally.
The WHO identified various factors responsible for infertility in both males and females, including abnormalities in reproductive organs and the endocrine system. Speaking exclusively to Media Talk Africa Healthwise, Dr. Dada lamented the high cost and limited accessibility of IVF treatment, particularly for average Nigerians facing fertility issues.
In response to the surge in infertility cases, the FMC MD pledged to lower the cost of IVF procedures to accommodate a larger volume of patients accessing the institution’s services. He outlined the process of IVF, which involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory before implanting the embryo into the woman’s womb for development.
Dr. Dada emphasized the FMC’s data-driven approach and the establishment of an IVF center within the new clinical building to facilitate greater access to fertility treatment for Nigerians. He also underscored the potential for significantly reducing the cost of IVF by leveraging economies of scale and volume.
Furthermore, Dr. Dada emphasized the government’s role in eradicating unqualified practitioners in IVF treatment by prioritizing universal healthcare access through the national health insurance scheme. He stressed that improved access to healthcare would naturally dissuade individuals from seeking services from untrained providers, thereby elevating the quality of care across various healthcare sectors.
In conclusion, Dr. Dada’s insightful perspective sheds light on the growing urgency to address infertility challenges in Nigeria and provides a compelling vision for enhancing accessibility to vital fertility treatments while safeguarding the integrity of healthcare services nationwide.
