UCH Hosts Bazaar for Palliative Care Awareness and Support

The Department of Hospice and Palliative Care at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, organized a bazaar to commemorate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, focusing on the need for improved pain management and dignified patient care. UCH Chief Medical Director Professor Jesse Otegbayo, represented by Professor Bukola Adesina, stated that it is unacceptable for patients to endure avoidable pain when effective interventions exist.

He highlighted the importance of addressing not only physical pain but also social and spiritual distress. Dr Yetunde Oloyede, Head of the Department, called on the Federal Government to implement existing palliative care policies and integrate essential services into the National Health Insurance Scheme to alleviate financial burdens on patients, particularly those with cancer.

Oloyede emphasized that pain relief is a fundamental right and urged for improved access to essential services. The bazaar, named the Professor Simbo Daisy Amanor-Boadu Jumble Sale, honored the late professor who was pivotal in establishing palliative care at UCH.