A consultant surgeon, Jacob Akoh, has advised patients to seek immediate medical help when diagnosed with any illness to prevent sudden death.

Mr Akoh gave the advice at the Bingham University’s 2nd public lecture, held at the university’s campus in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday.

The theme of the lecture is “Beyond The Operating Room: Reflections of a Surgical Career and Life of Purpose.”

As the guest lecturer and a retired Associate Professor in Europe, Mr Akoh emphasised that early medical intervention was crucial in effectively treating illnesses.

He urged people not to shy away from seeking help when faced with any symptoms, as neglecting health problems could lead to fatal consequences.

“No sickness should be taken for granted; it must be treated immediately,” Mr Akoh stated.

He also dispelled the belief that strange symptoms or illness were merely spiritual attacks, urging individuals to seek proper medical care instead of self-diagnosing or hiding symptoms.

Mr Akoh explained that the lecture was aimed at educating people, particularly in communities, on how to address health challenges and not neglect them.

He emphasised the importance of valuing one’s life and taking responsibility for seeking medical assistance when needed.

He also addressed concerns about the state of the healthcare sector in Nigeria, noting that it was underdeveloped compared to the Western world, in spite of its critical importance.

He called on the government to improve health facilities to prevent citizens from seeking treatment abroad, which negatively impacted the country’s healthcare system.

Mr Akoh shared some of his career successes, including performing multiple kidney transplants in one day, with all surgeries being successful.

However, he also highlighted challenges faced by surgeons, such as patients failing to provide accurate medical records, which could hinder effective treatment.

He urged patients to always provide precise health information to healthcare providers to ensure proper care and fulfilment in medical practice.

Additionally, Mr Akoh reminded medical practitioners to be mindful of their career purpose, stressing the need for active involvement in community health development.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Haruna Ayuba, commended Akoh for his enlightening lecture.

He acknowledged that although Akoh had spent more than 35 years as a surgeon in Europe, he returned to Nigeria to make a positive impact on society.

Mr Ayuba encouraged scholars and professionals to focus on the purpose of their careers, as it drives passion, motivation during challenges, and inspires excellence.

(NAN)