Patients decry high cost of treatment as World Hypertension Day approaches

 

As the world prepares to mark World Hypertension Day, some Nigerians living with the condition have expressed concern over the rising cost of treatment, citing difficulties in accessing medication and sustaining long-term care.

The patients, who spoke with newsmen Lagos on Wednesday, said financial constraints and work-related stress were affecting their ability to properly manage the condition.

A 41-year-old teacher, Mr Benjamin Iwu, who was diagnosed with hypertension six years ago, said the cost of medication had become a major burden.

“The stress from my teaching work increases my blood pressure, and I struggle to buy my drugs because I do not have enough money,” he said.

“Regardless of my busy schedule, I still find time to rest because resting helps to reduce my blood pressure.”

An accountant, Mrs Stella Machukwu, said her condition was not constant, adding that it “comes and goes.” She said she often manages stress through rest and is not currently on antihypertensive medication.

Similarly, a fashion designer, Mrs Belynda Emerulam, said the demands of her profession contributed to fluctuations in her blood pressure. She noted that lifestyle adjustments 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,” she said.

She also urged Nigerians not to ignore warning signs of hypertension. “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 their medications regularly,” she added.

However, some herbal medicine sellers in Lagos claimed that traditional remedies could effectively manage hypertension.

A seller at Ikotun Market, identified as Iya Aro, said patients often recorded better outcomes when they prepared herbal mixtures themselves. Another trader, Iya Mustapha, said treatment costs varied depending on the severity of the condition, adding that the minimum charge was about N10,000.

Medical experts, however, warned against the use of unregulated treatments and drugs from unlicensed sources, cautioning that such practices could worsen health conditions and lead to serious complications.

A pharmacist, Mrs Elizabeth Okpala, advised patients to obtain medications only from registered pharmacies and accredited health facilities.

Okpala, owner of Richprest Pharmacy, explained that hypertension drugs fall into different classes and may produce varying side effects depending on the prescription.

She noted that dizziness is a common side effect, although it does not occur in all patients, while erectile dysfunction is also frequently reported among male users.

“Pharmacists play an important role in promoting patient education and self-management of hypertension through medical outreaches and radio programmes,” she said.

“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.”

NAN reports that World Hypertension Day 2026 will be commemorated on May 17, with the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together.”