OOUTH CMAC advocates stronger referral system to curb maternal deaths
The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, Dr Oluseun Adek has advocated stronger emergency referral systems to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria. Adek said even where tertiary hospitals have specialists, blood supply, operating theatres and essential medicines, such resources cannot save patients who cannot reach them in time…
Dr. Oluseun Adek, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at CMAC OOUTH, has called for improved emergency referral systems to decrease preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria. Even with specialized facilities in tertiary hospitals, inadequate referral, transport and communication systems prevent timely access to these resources for patients in need.
Dr. Adek emphasized that medical advancements should be judged by their impact on patient health and quality of life, not just by the sophistication of technology or the publication of research papers.
Addressing the AGM of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria's Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Adek highlighted that Nigeria's healthcare challenge lies in the gap between medical knowledge and accessible care for ordinary citizens. He cited the case of a rural woman suffering severe postpartum bleeding, delayed transportation, and referral, underscoring the need for functional emergency referral systems, dependable transport, early complication detection, and swift access to skilled medical personnel.
Dr. Adek also advocated for better access to essential medicines, affordable generics, community-based screening for hypertension and diabetes, and enhanced pain management for cancer patients.
Dr. Adek urged Muslim healthcare professionals to utilize mosques for health education, routine screenings, disease prevention, and to employ mobile technology for appointment reminders, follow-ups, and emergency coordination, all while respecting patient confidentiality. He encouraged doctors to practice evidence-based treatments, nurses to strengthen patient education and safety, pharmacists to promote rational drug use, and laboratory scientists to ensure accurate diagnoses and timely communication of critical results.
Dr. Adek referenced Quran 4:58, which calls for believers to fulfill their trusts and judge justly, asserting that healthcare professionals must exhibit integrity, competence, compassion, and accountability in their patient interactions. He stressed that patients should receive care based on clinical urgency, not financial status, social connections, or influence.
Meanwhile, IMAN Ogun State Chapter Chairman, Dr. Ibraheem Opeewe, emphasized the association's mission to enhance healthcare quality in Nigeria through service delivery, collaboration, education, training, and advocacy, calling for increased support to expand outreach activities and improve healthcare access in underserved communities across the state.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
