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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Clinics, Abuja, Charles Ugwuanyi, has warned Nigerians against indiscriminate use of painkillers and poor management of hypertension and diabetes, identifying them as major risk factors for kidney failure.
Ugwuanyi, a neurosurgeon, also called for greater investment in specialist healthcare facilities to reduce the growing dependence on medical treatment abroad.
He expressed concern over the burden of kidney disease in Nigeria, citing an estimate of 9,000 new cases of end-stage kidney failure monthly, although the figure could not be independently verified.
According to him, hypertension and diabetes are among the leading causes of kidney damage, particularly when sufferers remain undiagnosed, neglect medical advice or fail to adhere to prescribed treatment.
He also cautioned against indiscriminate consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen, warning that prolonged or inappropriate use could impair kidney function.
Ugwuanyi urged Nigerians to embrace regular medical check-ups, particularly blood pressure and blood sugar screening, while avoiding self-medication and unhealthy lifestyles.
“There are so many young men today walking around with hypertension. They don’t even know. And you ask them to go for a check-up, they tell you it’s not my portion.”
He lamented that some Nigerians considered prescribed medication too expensive but spent substantial amounts on alcohol and other habits capable of worsening their health conditions.
The neurosurgeon advised the public to moderate alcohol consumption, avoid drug abuse, maintain healthy diets and seek professional medical attention when necessary.
Giving an account of the hospital’s operations, Ugwuanyi disclosed that Wellington Clinics had attended to 9,457 patients and performed 4,657 surgeries since its establishment in 2011.
He said the procedures included 2,150 brain surgeries and 2,307 spine surgeries, while the facility also provided treatment for peripheral nerve conditions and other neurological disorders.
Ugwuanyi explained that the hospital was established by specialists trained in the United Kingdom, with a focus on providing advanced treatment for brain, spine and nervous system disorders within Nigeria.
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According to him, the facility has expanded its diagnostic capacity through investments in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, electroencephalography (EEG) and other investigative services.
He said Wellington Clinics currently operates six theatres, an intensive care unit and a dialysis unit equipped with seven machines to support patients requiring kidney treatment.
The hospital chief explained that effective intensive care required facilities capable of supporting vital organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys, particularly when patients developed complications following surgery or during severe illness.
On infrastructure, Ugwuanyi disclosed that the hospital had invested in solar power generation to overcome persistent electricity supply challenges.
He said the facility recorded 120 days of uninterrupted electricity following the transition, stressing that reliable power was essential for protecting expensive medical equipment, sustaining clinical services and safeguarding patients.
He added that Wellington Clinics had expanded its outpatient services through collaboration with specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, general medicine and other disciplines.
Speaking on epilepsy, Ugwuanyi challenged the stigma associated with the condition, explaining that many patients could achieve seizure control with appropriate medication, while selected cases might benefit from surgery.
He also cautioned against dismissing persistent headaches as minor ailments, advising people experiencing recurring symptoms, particularly morning headaches, to seek medical evaluation.
Ugwuanyi maintained that Nigeria had the capacity to reduce medical tourism through sustained investment in specialist facilities, modern equipment, professional training and improved healthcare infrastructure.
“Nobody should leave this country to go and get kidney transplant,” he said, insisting that Nigerians should work towards strengthening local healthcare institutions rather than depending excessively on treatment abroad.
He acknowledged shortcomings in the country’s healthcare system but maintained that greater support for medical professionals, improved preventive care and investment in modern treatment facilities would help address the challenges.
Ugwuanyi also urged Nigerians to prioritise credible medical information and practical healthcare solutions rather than spreading unverified claims on social media.
