The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria’s leading pharmacies, Pharmacist Kunle Oyegade,has said that the pharmacy subsector of the economy received a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic which occasioned lock down of the economy.
He noted that the pharmacies are seeing higher patronage as most patients try to avoid crowded environments like hospitals to reduce the risks of nosocomial infections.
He spoke during an interview geared at providing advisory to Nigerians in an era where safety and health related information is exceedingly critical to survival.
He said:” The industry is doing great especially considering the rising use of supplements in the populace as a means to boost immunity and equip the body to be able to fight viral and bacterial infections.Acordingly, patients are more receptive to information relating to supplements and even compliance with their routine medications”
He said that adherence to medical advice is key to remaining healthy in a time when the threat of covid-19 still hang on the global population.
He added:“Information is power, but ability to properly adhere to information and filter relevant details that would ensure optimal health is key, Mr. Oyegade said. Nigerians should always adhere to guidelines set by relevant bodies, especially the Ministry of Health and associated agencies.”
He emphasized that his company has always embraced and promoted preventive healthcare as a route to overcoming the burden of disease even before the pandemic began.
He said:”While fully educating and encouraging patients to practice such ideals in the past few months, Mopheth saw a number of returning patients who had been previously sensitized having a more welcoming approach to advice and counseling. This has also encouraged a form of community education as its loyal customers end up educating their friends and family”/
He admonished patients to take their immunity boosters and routine medication, exercise regularly as well as maintain a proper diet with view to remaining healthy.