By Dr. Charles Adedamola Adeogun
In today’s Nigeria, self-medication has quietly become a culture. From antibiotics for coughs to painkillers for every ache, Nigerians increasingly turn to the nearest chemist, herbal concoction, or online recommendation before consulting a qualified doctor. But how did we get here?
The reasons are layered.
First, our overstretched healthcare system often means long queues, high consultation fees, and limited access to doctors, especially in rural communities.
Second, poverty fuels a “shortcut mentality,” with many seeking cheap relief rather than professional care.
Third, pharmacies and patent medicine vendors frequently sell prescription-only drugs with little regulation, reinforcing this dangerous habit.
In addition, long-held cultural beliefs in “home remedies” and peer-to-peer medical advice keep the cycle going unchecked.
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Self-medication eliminates vital steps that lead to accurate diagnosis, such as detailed clinical history-taking, physical examination, relevant investigations, and professional interpretation of test results. These crucial steps are what help establish a correct diagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment. Any shortcut is simply “trial and error.”
But the costs are high. Rampant antibiotic misuse fuels resistance, turning once-curable infections into deadly threats. Painkillers often mask underlying illnesses until it is too late. Unregulated herbal concoctions can cause severe liver and kidney damage. Behind every casually swallowed pill lies a risk we often underestimate, until tragedy strikes.
Tackling this problem requires collective will. The government must strengthen drug regulation and curb over-the-counter abuse. Expanding affordable and accessible healthcare, especially through community clinics and telemedicine, will reduce the dependence on shortcuts. Public health campaigns should also speak the people’s language, using radio, social media, and local influencers to raise awareness about the dangers of self-medication.
Most importantly, Nigerians must realize that health is an investment, not an expense. Consulting a doctor is not a luxury, it is a safeguard. If we shift both mindset and policy in the right direction, we can curb this silent epidemic before it deepens further.
Self-medication may seem convenient today, but its true cost tomorrow may be one we cannot afford.