Untold Facts: ‘As health care professionals, it’s time to speak up’ – Dr Morenike Ukpong

The third episode of TIERs’ Untold Facts aired on Thursday, August 25 with host, Moses Omoghena, discussing with guests on the impact of discriminatory law on health.

The guests on this episode were: Dr Morenike Ukpong, Associate Professor at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University and Dr Sikoni Adekemi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care at the University of Lagos.

The guests answered questions bordering on if sexual preference should affect health care and how discriminatory laws can limit access to health care for LGBT persons.

Dr Ukpong opens up the conversation stating that “access to health by whoever and whatever should not be influenced by anything”. She later adds that discrimination of sexual minorities is a reflection of what the health system in Nigeria has deteriorated to be.

When asked about discrimination from patients, specifically whether or not the guests would let their gynaecologists touch them if she were lesbian, Dr Adekemi responded: “If you’re in your medical practice – in your consulting room – you’re a doctor. You’re a gynaecologist irrespective of what your sexual orientation is, and if you behave in a way that is appropriate – the way a gynaecologist will behave – then why not?”

The conversation leads to discourse on the laws that hamper health care professionals providing services. Dr Sikoni finalizes that those who hope to be health care practitioners must have ‘feelings for humanity’, and should render services to those in need regardless of personal affiliations and prejudices.

Watch full show here:

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