By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Taking care of the health of children by accessing the right hospital, treatment as well as specialised medical expert have been identified as basic necessities required to keep children alive.
This was disclosed at the 12-year anniversary of the Pediatric Partners Hospital, PPH, in Lagos.

Speaking, Dr. Ekuase Sanusi, founder of PPH, urged parents to ensure that they access good paediatrician and not cut corners. Adding that, it is more expensive to patronize quack doctors.

“For children, simple things we do can make them very sick and simple things can make them much better. Children are not like adults, they do not have a long history of alcohol, drug abuse or bad eating habit. If they are given the right medicine, they will be better within ten days.

“If you get the right treatment for a child, it is very difficult for such child to die. Once a child is sick and he is given the right medicine, he or she will get better very quickly.

“I encourage all doctors especially those who are not paediatricians to refer sick children to good paediatrician who is trained in the care of sick children.
“Children are wonderful, they do not get sick easily but if you have sick children, go to a good paediatrician with excellent track record.

“We can take care of 99 percent of sick children but for the 1 percent, we will always consult the baseline of pediatricians abroad. With my 38 years of experience of being a doctor and I am still learning. I am humbled by what I have seen in the pediatric profession. We have a network of pediatricians that are excellent in their profession especially in Nigeria. It is a community of doctors.

“It has been an experience. When we started, people were not sure of the care and treatment they would receive but they were surprised at the activities and operations.

‘We take care of patients with brain tumour, we diagnose patients with cancers or illnesses that are unheard of in Nigeria while giving treatment, we ensure that we do not compromise our standard, we also consult other professionals abroad. As pediatricians, we have been trained extensively in the United State, we have worked with the sickest children in the United States. We have been able to proffer solution to lots of health issues as required by most families.

“We have a group of specialists that we consult when health issues arise. The name Pediatric Partners was birthed in 2010, I wanted to incorporate it in America but I found out that the name was already in existence. So, when I came to Nigeria, I thought it wise to have a lot of partners so as to expand the business and make it a global phenomenon.

On challenges, Sanusi said, *As much as the facility is ready to give the best, the exchange rate is proving so difficult. But, we have been able to navigate the society so that the medicals are cheaper for the patients.

“Another issue is Japa syndrome. Our nurses are constantly moving out of the country on a daily basis. But, we have encouraged them to study and learn new innovations. Every staff member that pass through PPH has a global and leadership mindset.

“As pediatricians, we are highly skilled to take care of children. PPH is a training environment for nurses who also come from another hospital. Taking care of children is not through forceful means. It comes with understanding. It is a life skill that we learnt over the years.
“Lots of parents might not have the funds to take care of the sick child. Sometimes, they do not have the financial capability to take care of themselves. It is cheaper to go to the best place than to patronize quacks.There are lots of good pediatricians in Lagos”, she said.

The husband, Dr. Michael Sanusi, Heart Surgeon, said, PPH’s strength is the devotion to children with the heart of love and professional care. It is not about the profits or proceeds but genuine love and care for the children. They follow up on them through vaccination.

“My wife receives calls at midnight from parents whose children are sick. We give glory to God”, he said.

The mother-in-law, Mrs. Abigail Sanusi advised PPH not to relent in their services. We wish them more God’s blessings and their reputation will continue”, she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ngozi Onuoha, Primary Care Physician, Internist, Geriatrician and the founder, Health4Naija, disclosed that, her testimony with PPH was when her relation was severely sick. “The child was in Ogun state and was receiving care from a quack nurse. The child was ill for three weeks and the health was deteriorating despite the treatment by the quack nurse. I was called to assist and Immediately, I contacted Dr. Sanusi and I told her about the situation. The child was transferred to PPH and he received life saving treatment within three days.

“For parents, it is very important to make sure that their children are up to date with their vaccines and go for regular check ups. This is important for detect any condition before they get worse. Parents should make sure that they take their children for regular check ups”, she noted.

Another parent, Osayi Alile, CEO, ACT Foundation, said, “My first son was the first patient twelve years, my son is now 21years old. I have no regrets being one of their partners. The doctors are very prompt. I am happy with their operations, the staff members are friendly. When there are issues, they will find specialists. I am glad to be with them for twelve years. PPH is for excellent service for the child. In Nigeria,; there are lots of children battling with sickness”, she said.

However, Prince Fafaa Dan-Princewill testified to the operations of the PPH. It is always joyous to have padetric partners. Adding that, the role of a doctor is essential in a community, he said.