The Kwara State Government has warned patients living with non-communicable diseases against combining prescribed medicines with herbal remedies or other medications without first seeking professional medical advice.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, gave the warning on Monday during a sensitisation programme organised by the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, to mark the 2026 World Patient Safety Day.
El-Imam, who was 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 non-communicable diseases.
She said the state government remained committed to providing safe, quality and patient-centred healthcare services through the engagement of qualified health professionals and other measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
The programme, which attracted participants from the 16 local government areas of the state, was organised under the theme, “Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases,” with the slogan, “Safe Care for Life.”
Speaking on medication safety, the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer in the Family Medicine Department of KWASUTH, Nurse Mgbemena Maria, urged patients to follow prescriptions and avoid taking additional medicines without professional guidance.
Mgbemena specifically cautioned patients against independently combining prescribed medicines with herbal preparations, stressing that they should consult healthcare professionals before introducing herbal remedies or other medications into their treatment.
She also warned against self-medication and advised patients experiencing unusual symptoms to promptly report them to qualified healthcare workers instead of attempting to manage the symptoms themselves.
The nurse identified hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases among common non-communicable diseases that often require sustained treatment, regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
She advised patients living with such conditions to attend regular medical check-ups and monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels as recommended by their healthcare providers.
Beyond medication, Mgbemena encouraged residents to maintain healthy eating habits and engage in appropriate physical activity. She also cautioned against tobacco smoking and other harmful substances.
She identified adequate rest, stress management and family support as important components of care for people living with chronic illnesses.
The Assistant Chief Scientific Officer of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Olaseinde Olubukola, said patient safety required the collective responsibility of healthcare providers, patients and caregivers.
She stressed the importance of public awareness and safer healthcare practices, particularly for people managing illnesses that require long-term treatment.
The World Patient Safety Day programme was therefore used to educate patients and caregivers on practical steps that could reduce preventable complications and improve treatment outcomes.
The state government said the sensitisation was also intended to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers while encouraging patients to take an active role in their own care.
The warning comes amid broader concerns in Nigeria about self-medication and the unsupervised use of herbal preparations. Health authorities and professional bodies have continued to encourage Nigerians to seek appropriate medical guidance when using medicines and to disclose all substances they are taking to their healthcare providers.
The Kwara government urged residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions, to adhere to prescribed treatment, attend routine medical appointments and seek professional advice before adding herbal remedies or other medicines to their treatment regimen.
