I know many people who won’t ever go to a hospital when they are ill. Instead, they believe that prayer is the key to deliverance. I have witnessed a neighbour’s health deteriorate to death, yet her family depended solely on an illiterate self-anointed pastor. In recent times, Nigerians have been seeking medical attention from religious institutions rather than hospitals or medical professionals. While cultural and religious beliefs may drive this trend, it is essential to note that seeking medical attention from religious institutions can be dangerous and even fatal. Therefore, this article will explore why Nigerians should take their sick loved ones to hospitals, not churches or prayer houses.
Lack of Equipment and Personnel in Religious Institutions
Firstly, it is essential to note that religious institutions are not equipped to handle medical emergencies. While churches and prayer houses may offer spiritual guidance and comfort, they lack the necessary medical equipment, facilities, and trained personnel to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Prayer houses are there to extort you. Self-pronounced men of god have no power to see beyond what is in front of them. They pray, vibrating and screaming, but they see nothing. Hospitals, on the other hand, have medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, trained to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. They also have access to medical equipment and facilities for diagnosing and treating different medical conditions. Yes, many Nigerian hospitals are not well-equipped and are as good as a death traps. However, a sick person is more likely to be diagnosed and assisted there than in a church or prayer house.
Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment
Secondly, seeking medical attention from religious institutions can delay the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, leading to adverse health outcomes. When someone is sick, time is of the essence, and delaying medical treatment can lead to the illness’s progression, making it more challenging to treat. Hospitals have medical professionals trained to quickly diagnose and treat medical conditions, which can help prevent the passage of the illness and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Risk of Spread of Infectious Diseases
Thirdly, seeking medical attention from religious institutions can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. In religious institutions, people often gather in large numbers and share close contact, which can facilitate the transmission of contagious diseases. On the other hand, hospitals have strict infection control protocols to prevent spreading of infectious diseases. In addition, medical professionals in hospitals are trained to identify and isolate patients who may have contagious diseases, and hospitals have the necessary equipment and facilities to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cost Implications
Fourthly, seeking medical attention from religious institutions can be expensive. While religious institutions may offer prayer and spiritual guidance for free, they do not have the necessary medical equipment and facilities to diagnose and treat medical conditions. This means that patients may need additional medical attention from hospitals or medical professionals, which can be expensive. In contrast, hospitals have medical professionals and equipment on site, which can help reduce medical treatment costs.
Danger and Fatalities from Seeking Medical Attention in Religious Institutions
Finally, seeking medical attention from religious institutions can be dangerous and even fatal. There have been numerous cases where people have died due to seeking medical attention from religious institutions rather than hospitals. This is because religious institutions lack the medical expertise, equipment, and facilities to diagnose and treat medical conditions. In some cases, the delay in seeking medical attention from hospitals can lead to the illness’s progression, making it more challenging to treat and even leading to death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spiritual guidance and comfort are essential and provided by religious institutions, but handling medical emergencies is not within their capacity. Nigerians should take their sick loved ones to hospitals and not churches or prayer houses. Hospitals have medical professionals trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, and they have the necessary equipment and facilities to provide adequate medical treatment. Seeking medical attention from hospitals can help to prevent the progression of illnesses, reduce the cost of medical treatment, prevent
the spread of infectious diseases, and ultimately save lives.
