Kwara govt warns NCD patients against mixing prescribed drugs with herbal remedies
The Kwara State Government has warned people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) against combining prescribed medicines with herbal remedies or other medications without medical advice.
The warning was issued during a sensitisation programme organised to mark the 2026 World Patient Safety Day at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin.
The programme, which attracted participants from the 16 local government areas of the state, focused on this year’s theme, “Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases”, with the slogan, “Safe Care for Life.”
The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Family Medicine Department, KWASUTH, Nurse Mgbemena Maria, who delivered a health education session, cautioned patients against self-medication and urged them to take prescribed medicines strictly according to professional instructions.
Mgbemena advised patients to seek medical advice before combining prescribed medicines with herbal remedies and other medications, noting that safe medication practices are important in managing chronic diseases.
She identified hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases among common NCDs.
She also advised patients to attend regular medical check-ups, monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar as recommended, and promptly report unusual symptoms to healthcare professionals.
Beyond medication, Mgbemena encouraged residents to maintain healthy eating habits and engage in regular and appropriate physical activity. She also cautioned against tobacco smoking and the use of other harmful substances.
She identified adequate rest, stress management and strong family support as important components of safe care for people living with chronic diseases.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Kasali Ajao, said patient safety was essential to preventing avoidable complications in the treatment and long-term management of NCDs.
El-Imam said the state government remained committed to providing quality, safe and patient-centred healthcare services, adding that it had continued to strengthen healthcare delivery through the engagement of qualified health professionals and other measures.
She said the sensitisation was aimed at equipping healthcare workers, patients and caregivers with practical measures to prevent avoidable complications and promote safer treatment practices for people living with NCDs.
Earlier, the Assistant Chief Scientific Officer, Kwara State Ministry of Health, Mrs Olaseinde Olubukola, explained the concept of NCDs and stressed the importance of raising awareness about safer healthcare practices.
She said patient safety requires the collective responsibility of healthcare providers, patients and caregivers, particularly in managing chronic illnesses that often require long-term care.
