…,urges govt to provide free healthcare services for elderly Nigerians, create infrastructure to prevent brain drain in health sector
By Dr. Wole Balogun
S.A Media to VC
A Professor of Urology of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Patrick Temi Adegun, has advised men against sexual promiscuity to prevent prostrate cancer and live healthier and longer on earth. Prof. Adegun also advocated for government sponsored free healthcare services for elderly Nigerians who are prone to prostrate diseases.
The Professor of Urology, gave the one Kobo advice to men while he was delivering the 19th lnuagural lecture of the University entitled: “So that the Water May Flow: Trajectory of A Surgical Plumber”. The event took place at the New Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Science, Oye-Ekiti main campus on November 6, 2024.
The University don who doubles as the Provost of the FUOYE College of Medicine, dissected the concept of Urology, which is his specialty in medicine, saying : “ Urology is a Surgical speciality that involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra in both males and females) and the male reproductive organs.“. He equally itemized the causes and treatment of various diseases associated with the failure of the water from flowing freely through the human kidney and other urological organs, drawing extensively from his innovations, findings and achievements from many researches he has conducted in collaboration with other astute researchers like him.
The pioneer Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University’s Teaching Hospital and Pioneer Provost, FUOYE’s College of Medicine gave preventive measures the menfolk could observe against prostrate cancer, citing in particular sexual promiscuity, he said : “Men are advised to marry, because once you are married, you can have sexual intercourse with your wife as many times as you want and with such active sexual life, you are okay. But if you engage in sexual promiscuity, it could lead to contacting infections which would ultimately lead to prostrate cancer.”
The renown Urologist also urged Nigerian doctors to think more of developing their country than relocating overseas. He advised government to provide enabling environment for Doctors to work., saying: “God did not make mistake by putting me in Nigeria. If God thinks I would be successful in America, He would have put me there. But since l am in Nigeria, l will stay in Nigeria, fight with Nigeria and win with Nigeria. I have experience of overseas and I know citizens of those countries work hard to build their nations, I will stay in Nigeria and build my country. It is because our Doctors are not well paid and provided with adequate infrastructure that force them to engage in “Japa” syndrome. Government should improve on their wages significantly and provide adequate facilities. “
Prof. Adegun utilized the rich experience of his 30 years of practice to give recommendations to solve diseases/problems associated with the prostrate as Dietary re-adjustment, in which case he advised on organic foods against others, regular physical activity such as regular exercise of the body; Regular Screening: particularly for men aged 50 and above; establishment of Cancer Registries which according to him, is essential to comprehensively capture data on cancer cases, including prostate cancer and enhance an understanding of the prevalence, trends, and demographics of prostate cancer cases and facilitate improved awareness among others.
Other recommendations he gave also included Regular Health Check-ups:, especially for men with a family history of prostate cancer or those belonging to high-risk groups can lead to early detection; Stress Management, and the need for government to provide access to quality healthcare, including affordable screening and diagnostic services; also ensure Tobacco Control Initiatives thereby implementing and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use, as smoking has been linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Prof. Adegun also recommended that government must embark on massive
awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs adding that these can play a vital role in reducing the high rate of prostrate diseases. He harped on huge government’s support for Research and Innovation, saying :” Government must invest in research to better understand the underlying causes of prostate cancer and BPH. Funding and supporting innovative research initiatives can lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies and treatment options.”
He also urged on Occupational Health and Safety Measures to reduce exposure to occupational hazards that may contribute to prostate cancer. Finally, he urged government to ensure Free Medical services for the elderly. Many elderly individuals in our community are either retired or face financial challenges, limiting their access to essential healthcare services. To mitigate the risk of prostate cancer, the government should implement free medical services specifically for the elderly, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Regular screenings and health check-ups in these communities can enable the early detection and timely treatment of prostate cancer, potentially saving many lives and reducing the burden of advanced disease on the healthcare system.
The August occasion which was organized by the University Ceremonial committee of FUOYE under the chairmanship of Prof. Tajudeen B. Opoola , the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration, was chaired by the progressively minded Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina. It was also graced by the eminent presence of the members of the University’s Governing Council led by Engr. O. Kayode Ojo.
Other dignitaries at the event included the former VC of Ekiti State University, Prof. Dipo Kolawole Royal fathers from Ado-Ekiti , Oye-Ekiti and Ido-Ekiti, principal officers of the University who included Mrs. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna, Bursar, Dr. Isaac Busayo ,Librarian, Prof. T. B Opoola, DVC , Administration, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, DVC, Academics and Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, Registrar. There was also the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre , ldo-Ekiti , FUOYE’s teaching hospital, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi and the family of the Inaugural lecture among others.
Perhaps, what would made the day more memorable for Prof. Adegun is that November 6, was his birthday as he gladly revealed with great excitement while delivering the lecture.
Prof. Fasina declared Prof. Adegun a substantive Professor of Urology of the University after presenting him with his certificate to signal the end of the programme amidst pomp.
