Doctor Clarifies Palliative Care After Ogogo’s Daughters Claim Hospitals Refused Treatment

A doctor, Olusina Ajidahun, has explained the concept of palliative care following claims by the daughters of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, that hospitals had refused to continue treating their father, who is reportedly battling stage-four cancer.

Ajidahun, who is known on X as The Bearded Dr Sina, said the daughters’ description of their father’s situation could be misunderstood, particularly the claim that hospitals were refusing to treat him.

Reacting on Monday, the doctor explained that patients with advanced cancer may transition to palliative care after chemotherapy and other available treatment options have been explored.

He said palliative care focuses on managing symptoms, providing comfort and improving a patient’s quality of life when the underlying disease can no longer be effectively treated.

According to Ajidahun, describing the situation as hospitals refusing to treat Ogogo could create a negative impression of healthcare professionals and potentially generate hostility towards medical workers.

He cautioned that such statements could be particularly sensitive given existing concerns within Nigeria’s health sector.

The doctor also urged members of the public not to promote unverified herbal remedies as alternatives to established cancer treatment.

He warned that herbal concoctions claimed to cure advanced cancer could potentially cause additional health complications, damage other organs and result in financial losses for patients and their families.

Ajidahun further explained that stage-four cancer generally means the disease has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.

He encouraged families dealing with advanced cancer to work closely with the medical team responsible for the patient’s care and follow professional medical guidance.

The doctor stressed that his comments were not based on direct knowledge of Ogogo’s medical condition or treatment, noting that he was not involved in the actor’s care.

He said his intervention was prompted by videos shared by the actor’s daughters and was intended to clarify how palliative care works in cases involving advanced or terminal illnesses.

Ajidahun expressed sympathy for Ogogo’s family during the difficult period and wished them strength as they continue supporting the actor.

The discussion has drawn public attention to the distinction between active cancer treatment and palliative care, as well as the importance of accurate communication when discussing serious medical conditions.