Health
How Assault Led Doctors Down Tools In Kwara
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, on Friday, began a five-day strike to protest the assault of medical personnel in the hospital.
The President of ARD-UITH, Dr Mubaraq Ijaiya, said the strike was total, noting that the doctors demanded the presence of armed security personnel at all emergency points within the hospital for their safety.
The strike followed an attack on a doctor at the hospital who was beaten by relatives of a deceased patient who they alleged died due to the nonchalant attitude of medical staff.
Dr Ijaiya said, “This is one of several episodes of physical assault on our members this year, with no culprit prosecuted to a logical conclusion and several other assaults that have occurred on healthcare workers in the last few months within the hospital.”
Speaking on the Wednesday incident, Mubaraq said the patient was a known individual in the facility being managed for a terminal illness.
He explained that: “He was rushed to the emergency unit of the hospital on December 27, at about 7am. He was promptly attended to and admitted for emergency management by the medical team on emergency duty.
“The necessary management plan was prescribed, including some required investigations, and his primary managing team was notified through a written consult and phone call.”
Ijaiya said contrary to information making rounds, the patient was alive and was just stabilised by the same doctor when the relatives assaulted him.
He added that: “Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the managing team, the patient passed away in the early hours of Thursday.”
While he commiserated with the family of the deceased, he called for more advocacy against the assault on healthcare workers.
Mrs Elizabeth Ajiboye, Head of Corporate Affairs of UITH, said such incidents had led to injuries to healthcare givers, noting that the hospital’s management would no longer tolerate any of such harassment.
She said the management has reviewed the matter and released the corpse to the relatives for burial, but noted that: “However, further investigations and possible prosecution of the arrested persons linked with the doctor’s assault continues.”
It was gathered that the corpse of Alhaji Saliu which was earlier held by the hospital was released at about 5pm on Thursday to the relatives.
Speaking on the incident, a relative of the deceased, Mr Bayo, said the family as Muslims had accepted what Allah decreed.
Reacting on the issue, the Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Ola Ahmed, said, “It is quite unfortunate that the people we are trying to serve, with God using us to save their lives, are the ones giving us a lot of discomforts.
“We all know how the issue of brain drain is taking a lot of doctors away now and there is no way one will get to the hospital and expect instant attention. If there are three cases on the ground, one has to take priority and the doctor will not split himself into parts to attend to different people at the same time. He has to stabilise one before moving to another.
“Insisting that your patient must be attended to cannot work, especially in emergency cases, because it is not like the regular clinic of first come first serve. It depends on the severity of the case and you conduct triaging to see which has more pressing needs. So, the media have to help us to educate the community to assist us.”
Health
Cholera Outbreak In Sokoto Claims 25 Lives, Over 1,000 Infected
A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.
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“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.
In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.
To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
Health
Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine
Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.
Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.
Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.
While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.
“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.
Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:
Clear or Very Light Yellow
This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.
Light to Medium Yellow
Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.
Dark Yellow to Amber
A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.
Orange
Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.
Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.
Pink or Red
While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.
Brown or Cola-Colored
This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.
Blue or Green
Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Cloudy or Milky
Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.
Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.
“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.
By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.
Health
JUST IN: JOHESU Launches Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Demands
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.
This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.
Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.
Details shortly………….