Calls For Early Medical Care, As Patients Increasingly Wait Until Illnesses Become Critical
PHOTO: Mr. Alfred T. Segbe
By Emmanuel Koffa
MONROVIA, Liberia — A citizen, Alfred T. Segbe has challenged what he describes as a growing tendency in Liberia to blame doctors and hospitals for poor health outcomes, calling instead for greater emphasis on early medical care and preventive health practices.
Segbe said while Liberia’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including shortages of medical equipment, medicines, healthcare personnel, and adequate infrastructure, patients and their families must also examine the role they play in managing illnesses.
He said one of the major problems is the tendency of some Liberians to seek medical attention only after an illness has become serious.
According to Mr. Segbe, waiting until a health condition becomes critical can limit the ability of healthcare professionals to provide effective treatment.
He is urging Liberians to develop the habit of undergoing routine medical examinations, even when they do not feel sick.
Segbe said regular checkups allow healthcare professionals to establish a patient’s medical history and identify potential health problems before they become severe.
“Going to the doctor should not only be something we do when we are sick. We should also visit the doctor to make sure we remain healthy,” Segbe said.
He cited his more than two decades of experience living in the United States, where he said routine medical examinations are commonly encouraged as part of preventive healthcare.
Segbe believes Liberia could benefit from placing greater emphasis on similar preventive practices.
The Liberian healthcare debate, according to Segbe, should also consider what happens after patients receive medical attention.
He said patients have a responsibility to provide accurate health information, follow treatment instructions, take prescribed medications properly, and return for follow-up appointments when required.
He expressed concern about patients who discontinue treatment after receiving a diagnosis and instead rely exclusively on prayer, herbal medicines, traditional remedies, or advice from people without medical training.
While acknowledging the importance of faith and cultural practices, Segbe warned that delaying professional medical treatment could allow some illnesses to worsen.
Segbe also cautioned against automatically concluding that a doctor or hospital is responsible whenever a patient dies.
He said each case should be examined based on the patient’s medical history, the timing of treatment, the severity of the illness, and the care provided.
“We should not automatically assume that every poor health outcome is the result of an incompetent doctor or a bad hospital. Sometimes, the problem begins long before the patient arrives at the hospital,” he said.
He nevertheless maintained that genuine cases of medical negligence or professional misconduct should be investigated and addressed.
At the same time, Segbe is calling on the Ministry of Health and the Liberian government to increase public awareness about preventive healthcare.
He wants citizens to be educated about routine health examinations, early warning signs, timely treatment, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of following medical advice.
He also encouraged people to monitor health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight when recommended by healthcare professionals.
Segbe said improving Liberia’s healthcare system requires more than building hospitals or training healthcare workers.
He believes the public must also become more proactive about its health.
Segbe’s position places responsibility for better health outcomes on both healthcare providers and patients.
He said government must provide the resources necessary for quality healthcare, healthcare professionals must provide competent and ethical services, and citizens must seek care promptly and follow appropriate treatment.
According to Segbe, Liberia must move away from a culture of waiting until an illness becomes an emergency.
He is therefore urging citizens to make preventive healthcare part of their everyday lives, arguing that early detection and timely treatment can help reduce complications and save lives.