Prof. Segun Oguntana has addressed critical issues in rheumatology care and advocated for improved coverage of autoimmune disease treatments in Nigeria during the 122nd inaugural lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) on Tuesday, April 8.
Professor Oguntona, who is a lecturer at the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Science, Shagamu, for over two decades and has published more than 60 medical journals, shared his international experience to highlight disparities in care. "I was in one of the Asian countries to practice medicine. The scope of rheumatology cases seen there was not quite different from the cases in Nigeria. However, the difference lies in the free access to medical care," he noted.
The lecture, titled "Disease and Internal Organ Complications Unmasking Immune Tolerance Breakdown and the Culprit," drew attention to the multi-systemic nature of rheumatic diseases and emphasized the need for interdisciplinary treatment approaches.
"Breakdown of immune tolerance is the culprit in the internal organs (systemic) involvement in rheumatology. The topic was chosen to bring to the fore the involvement of other organ systems in disorders of joint and to also stress the multidisciplinary approach in the management of rheumatic diseases," Professor Oguntona explained.
In his address to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, Oguntona made a passionate appeal for greater government investment in rheumatology treatment options.
"Biologics are the most expensive drugs, and they are the lifesaving medications for patients with autoimmune conditions.
"People with health insurance coverage cannot benefit from these biologics because health insurance does not cover them because of their cost."
He added, "Mr. Vice Chancellor, since funding is the main problem denying our patients with autoimmune conditions from receiving the best medical care, I would suggest that the government should look into this field of medicine and accord it the same priority attached to malaria and communicable diseases."
During his lecture, Professor Oguntona also highlighted OOU's pioneering role in rheumatology education in Nigeria, noting that "Professor Adelowo was the only rheumatologist in Nigeria for many decades. OOU was also the only university in Nigeria then where rheumatology was being taught," he said.
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