KWASUTH warns against self-medication, unsafe drug use during pregnancy

The Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) has warned patients against self-medication and inappropriate use of medicines without professional guidance, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The warning was issued during a sensitisation programme organised by the hospital’s Department of Pharmacy to mark the 2026 World Pharmacists Day on Friday, September 25.

The programme, held under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” focused on promoting the safe, effective and rational use of medicines.

As part of the activities, the pharmacy team moved across the hospital to educate patients, caregivers and members of the public on medication safety, with particular attention to medicine use during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Participants were advised to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before taking medicines, especially while pregnant or breastfeeding.

The pharmacy team also reviewed patients’ medication information to identify medication-related problems and instances of inappropriate medicine use.

Free medications were distributed to patients as part of the outreach.

The activities highlighted the role of pharmacists in promoting medication safety, improving treatment outcomes and supporting quality healthcare delivery.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Pharmacy, Pherman Ronke Esho, presented an Award of Excellent Performance to the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr Bola Ahmed Abdulkadir, in recognition of his administrative efficiency, support for the department and commitment to quality healthcare delivery.

Receiving the award, Abdulkadir commended the pharmacy department for its contribution to patient care and the hospital’s healthcare objectives.

He reiterated the hospital management’s commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system and improve access to quality healthcare.

The CMD also stressed the importance of teamwork among healthcare professionals, patient-centred care and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes across the state.

Healthcare professionals, hospital staff, patients and members of the public attended the World Pharmacists Day programme.