Medical diagnostic professionals, such as physicians, pathologists and medical laboratory scientists, are clamouring for a more inclusive treatment to enable patients have a say in how their health is managed.

At the inaugural seminar of the Initiative for Medical Diagnostic Awareness (IMDA) in Lagos, they agreed that patients must know their health status and be involved in their treatment.

Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor of Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, said accurate diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment.

According to her, Lagos State doesn’t compromise Diagnosis because short turnaround is necessary to prevent deaths.

Adeshina, represented by the Director, Pathology Service, Lagos State, Dr Wale Ajayi, said many patients are not diagnosed in Nigeria even while receiving treatment.

She said a total medical focus patient environment should be embraced to address the problem.

The Chairman, IMDA Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr Kolawole Oyedeji said it was important to sensitise the people to be more concerned about their health because it is their right to ensure their health is managed appropriately.

“IMDA will encourage the public to be more inquisitive about their health with emphasis and interest in wanting to know the source, cause and ailments.

“A patient should be bold to ask why he is being asked to do a chest x-ray when he only has cough or headache,” he said.

Oyedeji said the group is trying to stamp out fatanalism, which means somebody is trying to say he knows what is best for someone.

He said IMDA is bringing the physicians, patients and public to evolve good health. “This initiative is envisioned to be a model for harmonisation among medical diagnostic professionals and the public which will eventually result in boosting public trust and confidence in the professionals,” he added.

He cautioned against of self- medication, adding many people have died from taking drugs not prescribed by doctors because they wanted to be their own doctor.

Advocacy, he said, would ensure nobody dies because of negligence or ignorance arising from misdiagnosis.

Guest lecturer, Consultant radiologist, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Kofo Soyebi identified fear, lack of fund and ignorance, and cultural and social beliefs as reasons people don’t have necessary diagnosis.

Mrs Soyebo, who spoke on the “essence of awareness in diagnostic practice,” said awareness will eliminate quackery and prevent wrong diagnosis because patients can ask questions.

Mrs Soyebo urged health care workers to sustain the patients by ensuring they get value for their money, adding: “They will in turn help them remain relevant in the industry.”

By: Wale Adepoju