Dr. Akeredolu Oluwafemi Nehemiah, popularly known as Dr. Akeredolu O.N., is a surgeon and medical practitioner with over a decade of experience. In this exclusive interview with Akinrinlola Olumide, he speaks on the current state of health issues in Ondo State, particularly the rising rates of kidney failure and cancer, the challenges facing the healthcare system, available treatment facilities, and recommendations for improvement.
Current State of Health Issues:
What do you believe are the primary causes contributing to the rising rates of kidney failure and cancer in Ondo State?
Sir, the question about the causes of kidney failure should be directed to the specialists in medicine who care for the kidney; they are called nephrologists. I can assist you with a contact next time. However, the causes of kidney failure are many, including untreated hypertension, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, herbal ingestion, and other nephrotoxic agents. Likewise, the causes of cancer are also numerous, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle (westernization, smoking), radiation exposure, and even some cancers like prostate cancer, which are more common among black individuals. Therefore, there are a lot of causes.
Have there been any recent studies or reports that highlight the prevalence of these health issues in the state? If so, could you share key findings?
I’m not aware of any; however, there is a department in the Ondo State Ministry of Health that is in charge of that. I can help find out.
How does the Hospital Management Board currently monitor the incidence of kidney failure and cancer among residents?
Yes, I’m a member of the Hospital Management Board (HMB). There is a department in charge of monitoring disease prevalence; however, we haven’t conducted a specific study in that regard, to the best of my knowledge.
Healthcare Infrastructure and Services
What facilities and resources are available in Ondo State for the treatment of kidney failure and cancer?
I think the treatment of the above ailments can be best done at tertiary centers. Thank God for Dr. Michael Gbala of UnimedTHC, Ondo; he is a wonderful CMD. I think UnimedTHC Ondo can successfully manage kidney failure, but the treatment of cancer is not a general thing; it depends on a lot of factors, but UnimedTHC can still try.
Are there any plans to improve healthcare infrastructure or expand services related to these diseases? If yes, please elaborate.
I don’t know why you have to single out these health conditions; however, the CMD of UnimedTHC, Ondo, Dr. Gbala, is doing a lot to improve in that regard. If he is encouraged, we can also improve UnimedTHC Ondo to a kidney transplant center; it’s possible, and various cancers can be managed to an extent in UnimedTHC, Ondo.
How does the board ensure that patients have access to necessary treatments and follow-up care?
Well, the HMB doesn’t have such a capacity; however, we can support UnimedTHC, Ondo, which is our tertiary center in Ondo State, particularly in terms of awareness, which we have been doing.
Public Awareness and Prevention
What initiatives are in place to raise public awareness about kidney health and cancer prevention?
That is the work of primary health centers in the state. Under Dr. Akanbiemu as the PS, he is not a bad administrator either; he is doing his best for the state.
How is the board collaborating with local communities to promote healthy lifestyles that could reduce the risk of these diseases?
Yes, we have a lot to do, but I can assure you that we have an excellent HMB chairman, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti—very experienced, brilliant, and willing to work. Other members, like Pharm. Taiwo Adefurin, Nurse Arinola Adamolekun, and Dr. Rotimi Wilson, are great people who love Ondo State. I will deliver your message to them; we will add it to our agenda for the state.
Challenges and Recommendations
What challenges does the Hospital Management Board face in addressing kidney failure and cancer in the state?
Yes, HMB has many challenges, not only in the management of these ailments but also in many other areas. It was totally inactive during the six years of Aketi’s administration. However, I think the current governor promised to focus on health; I pray God will help him.
What recommendations would you make to improve the situation regarding these health issues in Ondo State?
My recommendations? I have communicated what needs to be done to our governor. The health sector needs transparency and accountability. Yes, health professionals are saying the health sector is poorly funded by the government, but corruption in the health sector is another issue. The government must ensure accountability and transparency, mainly among health insurance agencies, both at the state and national levels. If the meager resources in the health sector are judiciously managed, I believe things would be better than our current state.
In your opinion, what steps should be taken in the next five years to combat the rising rates of kidney failure and cancer in Ondo State?
Awareness, awareness, and awareness—that is the key.
How can the community, government, and healthcare providers work together to tackle these health challenges effectively?
Yes, the government must initiate a health trust fund in which 5% of the salaries of political appointees would be deducted monthly, 1% of all contracts in the state, 1% of the salaries for one month a year from all civil servants in the state, 1% of Ondo State IGR monthly, and other ways to generate a pool. This money could be used to treat all cancer cases and kidney transplants for the citizens. This will alleviate the burden on these individuals and also allow for local research funding.
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