SELF-MEDICATION, particularly the use of antibiotics without laboratory testing, can delay the diagnosis of infections and allow illnesses to worsen; the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)’s Head of Clinical Laboratory Field Operations, Mrs. Pankemwa Joy Shamang, has warned.
Shamang, who is also the Project Manager of the project, told National Record that laboratory tests are crucial in identifying the organism responsible for an infection and determining the right treatment.
She explained that taking antibiotics before a culture and sensitivity test could suppress the organism without actually eliminating it, especially if the drug is not effective against it.
“If an individual gets an antibiotic before going to the laboratory for a culture/sensitivity test, the organism may be suppressed but not treated because it may not be the right antibiotic for that organism,” she said.
According to her, this can make it difficult for the laboratory to detect the organism when the patient eventually goes for testing.
“By the time the individual goes to the laboratory, the organism may not be seen, though it is still in the body. That automatically delays the correct diagnosis,” she said.
Shamang said people often self-medicate because they want quick relief from symptoms. However, she noted that similar symptoms can be caused by different illnesses, making proper diagnosis essential before treatment begins.
“Treatment without diagnosis is like driving without a map. You may move, but you may not reach the right destination,” she said.
She explained that while medication may relieve symptoms temporarily, it may not address the underlying cause of the illness. If the causative organism remains untreated, the condition could worsen and lead to more serious complications.
She added that when an organism is suppressed below the level that can be detected by a laboratory test, clinicians may be unable to identify it and determine the appropriate treatment.
“The doctors and clinicians cannot make a prescription based on what is not seen. So, you’re going to go back home, and of course, your illness may worsen,” she said.
Shamang also linked inappropriate self-medication to antimicrobial resistance, saying the misuse of antibiotics could make infections harder to treat and cause more serious health problems.
She acknowledged that the cost of laboratory tests may push some people towards self-medication but said affordability should be addressed through stronger health policies rather than by avoiding testing.
She called for policies that would subsidise essential laboratory tests and encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of available health insurance schemes.
Beyond individual treatment, Shamang stressed the need for greater investment in Nigeria’s laboratory system, describing it as a critical but often overlooked part of healthcare.
“The laboratory is often invisible when everything is working well, but it becomes indispensable and highly visible when lives are on the line,” she said.
She said strengthening the country’s laboratory system should not be limited to providing buildings, equipment and technology. It should also include ensuring that facilities are suitable for the equipment, technology is compatible, and laboratory personnel are properly trained and motivated.
“Nigeria needs to make sure that the building supports the equipment, the technology and the equipment are compatible, the personnel are competent, and they are highly motivated to remain,” she said.
Without such investment, she warned, Nigeria could continue to train laboratory professionals only to lose them to better opportunities elsewhere.
“So, I advise that we continue to invest in our laboratory system before the next emergency reminds us why a strong and resilient system matters,” she said.
