Family physicians have been described as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing primary care and playing a vital role in preventing and managing diseases in the community.
Chairman of the Society Of Family Physicians Of Nigeria (SOFPON), Osun State chapter, Dr Tunde Afolabi, stated this at an event to celebrate the 2024 World Family Doctors Day.
Speaking on the theme, “Healthy Planet, Healthy People”, at the event held at Osogbo, he said family physicians are advocates of patients, promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health.
He noted that family physicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing care to patients at all levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary.
“At the primary care level, we are the first point of contact for our patients, providing preventive care, diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses and referring patients to specialists when necessary.
“We work in community health centres, general practice clinics and private practices, serving as the backbone of our healthcare system.
“At the secondary care level, we work in hospitals and clinics, providing specialised care to patients referred by primary care physicians.
“We diagnose and manage complex medical conditions, perform procedures and coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals.
“At the tertiary care level, we work in specialised hospitals and academic institutions, providing highly individualised specialised care to a wide range of patients with common and complex conditions from cradle to grave, irrespective of gender.
We conduct research, teach medical students and residents,” Dr Afọlabi said.
The Osun SOFPON chairman reminded family physicians and the public of the role they play in having a healthy planet and healthy people.
He said family physicians are saddled with the responsibility of providing primary care to patients, focusing on prevention, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses.
He noted that family physicians serve as the first point of contact for patients and direct them to specialised care, when necessary, adding that they emphasise preventive care, health promotion, and disease prevention.
He said they foster long-term patient-physician relationships, thus promoting trust and continuity of care and also coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and seamless care.
According to him, family physicians are advocate for patients’ needs, promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health.
Importantly, he said they stay up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and research, ensuring evidence-based care, adding that they educate patients and communities on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and sustainable healthcare practices.
Dr Afolabi also disclosed that family physicians specifically help to achieve a healthy planet and healthy people mandate and also promote sustainable healthcare practices, reducing waste and carbon footprint.
He said they educate patients on environmental health and its impact on human health and advocate policies and programmes addressing climate change and health equity.
According to him, family physicians support community initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability, and also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop sustainable healthcare systems.
Family physicians, he said, conduct research on the impact of environmental factors on human health, develop and implement environmentally friendly healthcare practices and also encourage patients to adopt sustainable lifestyle choices.
The SOFPON chairman said the achievements are noticeable in Osun State where he said significant strides have been made in improving healthcare outcomes.
“I am proud of the contributions that family physicians have made to this achievement. However, we still face challenges, and we must continue to work together to address them,” he added.
As we celebrate World Family Doctors Day, we recognize the critical role that family physicians play in:
He called on family physicians to continue with their excellent work, by providing quality care to your patients and advocating for sustainable healthcare practices.
“Let us support each other in our efforts to create a healthy planet and healthy people.
“To our distinguished guests, I thank you for your support and leadership in our healthcare system. Let us continue to work together to improve healthcare outcomes in Osun State and beyond.
“And to our patients and communities, I say thank you for entrusting us with your care. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and we will continue to work tirelessly to achieve this goal.
“Let us recommit ourselves to this critical mission. Let us work together to create a healthcare system that prioritises the wellbeing of both people and the planet,” Dr Afolabi added.
