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Jul122016 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Aspirin Therapy: Can Your Heart take the Risk?

Of late studies have been revealing likely promises held by the use of aspirin in the treatment of cardiovascular disease patients, but not many actually know how this new ‘heart drug’ works as well as the dangers in its wrong application. As experts continue the search for a heart-friendly remedy for cardiovascular disease sufferers, Editor MORGAN NWANGUMA reveals some salient issues surrounding the use of aspirin. Among so many remedies that are available today from over the counter, special prescriptions, to a range of alternative applications, there is little question aspirin has earned its reputation as a powerful drug among well known heart drugs and remedies. But the question we all need to tackle seriously is: just how much do you really know about aspirin with respect to the he

Jun202016 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Understanding Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Cover Stories

If your skin has been showing some ncommon‘allergic’ reactions and you have been on some medication lately, it is advisory you go see your healthcare provider for professional examination. This is the advice from the Federal Ministry of Health especially concerning the recent sudden appearance of the deadly Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in Nigeria. But this rare medical condition contrary to opinions was not discovered in Nigeria, and it is not new. In this report, Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA examines the genesis and the nature of this emerging dreaded killer disease in Nigeria. As if in a game of cards, Nigerians have once more been placed on red alert regarding the latest ‘strange’ disease in town. In recent times the country has had to battle with somewhat strange diseases such as Ebola, Lassa

May162016 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

NHIS – Long Road to Universal Coverage

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Rights of the Patient and Healthcare Provider The National Health Insurance Scheme has remained as just an idea since 1962 when it was first mooted. The lofty idea as it is, did not come to fruition until an enabling law was promulgated in 1999, and then in May 2005 the programme kicked off in earnest. And down the line the general consensus has been that the scheme that was given legal teeth 17 years ago is yet to seriously get up and run. Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA in this write-up looks at the programme’s long road to universal coverage, vis-a-vis the rights of the parties involved. Since the National Health Insurance Scheme project was set in place health watchers and experts alike have come to the opinion and conclusion that so far it has remained largely a paper tiger. Accordi

Mar82016 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Zika, Mosquitoes – Latest Nightmare of Expectant Mothers

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As if by a sudden twist of fate, the South American country of Brazil, and by extension the entire world looks on with bewilderment as the Zika virus disease is unsettling the minds of so many health watchers and experts alike. This new epidemic coming at a time the whole world is preparing to gather in Brazil for the forth coming Summer Olympics (August) this year, has raised more than enough concern already and the World Health Organisation is declaring an emergency situation. Health Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA traces the root of the fast spreading viral disease, and how the authorities are dealing with it. Currently Brazil is being ravaged by the new epidemic called Zika – a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes Mosquito, the same that is responsible for

Feb42016 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

The Resurgent Lassa fever Epidemic and What You Ought to Know

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While news of the resurgent viral epidemic filtered in, Health Officials and government people alike have been caught in frenzy once again since the end of the battle with Ebola. Health Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA who has been keeping a steady tab on the unfolding events, captures the details of these as well as what you need to know about the renewed Lassa fever epidemic which has become like a recurring decimal. Ever since August of 2015 when the dreaded disease - Lassa fever made its latest come back into the country, the health authorities have continued to grapple with this renewed scourge. The major vector of this disease is a species of the popular house mouse, but not every rodent is necessarily a carrier of the disease, however, they are all potential hosts and transmitters of the vi...

Dec22015 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

The Critical Role of SMEs in Integrated Healthcare Delivery

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Cover story: The Critical Role of SMEs in Integrated Healthcare Delivery For a long time Nigeria has not been able to adequately tap into the inalienable benefits embedded in the existence of a thriving small and medium scale enterprise driven environment. This is because SMEs in the country have not really gotten the boost they need to flourish and even survive. The health sector as in all other sectors is in dire need of government support and funding as the country is still grappling with basic health development challenges. Health Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA gives a picture of what the issues are, and how the country can properly harness the advantages inherent in a viable SMEs driven economy, as well as the critical role SMEs can play in the healthcare sector. It is on record tha...

Nov62015 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Lansoprazole: ‘Best Hope’ For TB Treatment.

Amazing Health Discoveries, Cover Stories, Latest Health News

Lansoprazole May Yet Present the Best Hope for TB Treatment – Scientists What scientists and health practitioners were looking for in far, remote and complicated terrains may just be lurking around the corner as researchers are on the verge of a breakthrough for Tuberculosis cure. They have stumbled on a simple (OTC) antacid which has always been in your neighbourhood stores. Health Editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA follows the trend of this new finding which places great hopes on lansoprazole as an excellent treatment for TB. Who would have thought that a simple over-the-counter drug just lying by the side could be the efficacious remedy that doctors and patients alike have looked for to take care of a stubborn and deadly disease such as tuberculosis? Well, as interesting and simple

Sep82015 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

Announcing the Long Awaited Malaria Vaccine as GSK Records Breakthrough!

Cover Stories, Latest Health News

For many years running until now, the world has had to confront the dreaded disease of the tropics transmitted through the bite of a tiny insect vector – the Mosquito. Malaria aside, researchers and scientists worldwide have had to confront so many other health issues, some of them relatively new, with the bid to finding lasting solutions by way of vaccine production. There is no gain saying the fact that a lot of successes have been attained over the decades; but the world has also waited patiently for thirty years since deliberate and concerted efforts began towards finding a lasting solution to the bugging malaria question. As the world rejoices over the approval of the first ever malaria vaccine made possible by pharmaceutical giants - GSK, Health editor, MORGAN NWANGUMA, traces the lo

Sep22015 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

CHALLENGES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

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CHALLENGES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA COVER STORY- June Edition CHALLENGES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA An induction and oath-taking ceremony of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin took place. The event offered the body of pharmacists in Nigeria to take a deep look into challenges confronting both the pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria. To this effect, as part of the event, a keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lolu Ojo, a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. In his opening remarks, the keynote speaker summarised the outcome of the series of events and activities that have been on in order to help redefine pharmacy and the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria. And referring to the chosen topic for his address – ‘Pharmacy

Aug172015 by PharmaTimesNo Comments

PAINKILLERS, HEALTHY OR HARMFUL?

Amazing Health Discoveries, Cover Stories, Health & Life, Men's Health, Women's health

The abuse of painkillers may be disastrous, fatal, experts warn Trailing the numerous incidents of inexplicable violent behaviours of especially the youths, and the incessant incidents of preventable accidents resulting in fatalities, scientists have delved deep into ascertaining the root causes. Recent studies have tried to diffuse the tension brought on by the arguments that these behaviours and incidents could be associated with the abuse of prescription painkillers: Writes Morgan Nwanguma, Editor Painkillers are medicaments or drugs administered to a patient in order to alleviate pain and discomfort such as in the treatment of migraine pain or general pain symptoms. Though playing a very important role in the life of a patient who is in need of them, these drugs are still regarde