Doctor Olusina Ajidahun has clarified the meaning 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 battling stage-four cancer.
Ajidahun, known on X as The Bearded Dr Sina, said the family’s description of the situation could be misunderstood, particularly the statement that hospitals had “refused to treat” the actor.
In a post on Monday, he explained that patients with stage-four cancer may be placed on palliative care after chemotherapy and other available treatment options have been exhausted.
According to him, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms, easing discomfort and improving a patient’s quality of life when the disease can no longer be effectively treated.
He warned that describing the situation as hospitals deliberately refusing treatment could create a negative perception of healthcare workers and potentially fuel hostility towards medical professionals.
Ajidahun also urged the public not to recommend herbal remedies as alternatives for stage-four cancer treatment. He cautioned that unverified herbal concoctions could damage other organs, cause additional complications and lead to financial losses.
He further explained that stage-four cancer occurs when the disease has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. He advised families in such situations to work closely with the medical team managing the patient’s care.
Expressing sympathy for Ogogo’s family, the doctor said he hoped they would continue to collaborate with the actor’s healthcare team during the difficult period.
Ajidahun, however, clarified that he was not involved in Ogogo’s treatment and was offering his comments independently in response to videos shared by the actor’s daughters.
