Health
Patients Decry High Treatment Cost As World Marks Hypertension Day
By Catherine Egwuom
Some Nigerians who have hypertension have decried the high cost of treatment and shared their experiences and challenges in managing the condition.
The individuals, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, highlighted difficulties in accessing healthcare and adhering to treatment.
Mr Benjamin Iwu, a 41-year-old teacher, said he was diagnosed with hypertension six years ago and had struggled to cope with the financial burden of purchasing medication.
“The stress from my teaching work increases my blood pressure, and I struggle to buy my drugs because I do not have enough money.
“Regardless of my busy schedule, I still find time to rest because resting helps to reduce my blood pressure,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Stella Machukwu, an accountant, said her condition was not constant, adding that it comes and goes.
Machukwu said she usually rested whenever she was stressed and was not on antihypertensive medication.
A fashion designer, Mrs Belynda Emerulam, attributed the rise in her blood pressure to the nature of her work, noting that adequate rest and medication had helped her manage the condition.
“My doctor asked me to cut down on the number of clothes I sew in a day and rest whenever I feel dizzy or overwhelmed.
“Many people do not want to accept that they are hypertensive. They should stop living in self-denial, go for regular check-ups and take your medications regularly,” she said.
Some herbal medicine sellers also claimed that herbal remedies could effectively treat hypertension.
One of the sellers at Ikotun Market, identified simply as Iya Aro, said patients usually got better results when they prepared the herbs themselves.
Another herbal seller, Iya Mustapha, said the severity of the condition determined the type of treatment and the cost involved.
According to her, the least amount charged for treatment is N10,000.
However, an expert cautioned the public against purchasing drugs from unlicensed sources, including local concoctions, warning that such practices could worsen health conditions and lead to dangerous complications.
Meanwhile, a pharmacist, Mrs Elizabeth Okpala, advised that medicines should be obtained only from registered pharmacies and licensed healthcare facilities.
She said there were different classes of antihypertensive drugs and that side effects varied depending on the medication prescribed.
Okpala, owner of Richprest Pharmacy, said dizziness was a common side effect associated with many antihypertensive drugs, although it rarely occurred.
She added that erectile dysfunction was one of the most common side effects experienced by male patients.
“Pharmacists play important roles in promoting patient education and self-management of hypertension through medical outreaches and radio programmes.
“Health management is a continuous process, and pharmacists undergo continuous education programmes to stay updated on new discoveries in hypertension management.
“About 80 to 90 per cent of hypertension cases are not cured but managed to enable patients live quality lives,” she said.
NAN reports that 2026 World Hypertension Day will be commemorated on May 17, 2026, with the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
