Alfred T. Segbe, has called on Liberians to place greater emphasis on preventive healthcare, urging citizens to undergo routine medical examinations, instead of waiting until illnesses become severe before seeking medical attention.
Segbe made the call amid growing public criticism of doctors, nurses, healthcare
professionals, and hospitals, including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
He said, while concerns about the quality, and accessibility of healthcare services must be taken seriously, citizens must also examine their own approach to healthcare, and take greater responsibility to maintain their health.
Segbe: “Regular medical checkups can help healthcare professionals to monitor a patient’s condition, establish medical histories, identify changes in health, and detect potential illnesses at an early stage.”
He adds: “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, who lives in the United States, cited the practice of routine medical examinations in the U.S. as an example of preventive healthcare.
He said, people often visit healthcare providers at intervals recommended by their doctors, even when they are not experiencing serious symptoms.
Such visits, he said, allow doctors to monitor patients over time, and identify unusual developments before they become major health problems.
Despite his call for greater responsibility from citizens, Segbe called on the government to address the challenges confronting the healthcare system.
He called for improvements in hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, medicines, staffing, and other essential healthcare resources.
