Patients Should Not Abandon Medication for Spiritual Treatment – Dr. Dua
Family Medicine Specialist, Dr. Albert Adusei Dua, has cautioned patients against abandoning medical treatment for spiritual intervention, warning that such decisions often worsen health conditions and reduce chances of recovery.
Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso, he said many illnesses are medically explainable and manageable, even though some patients may also attach spiritual meanings to their conditions.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the public that while we recognise both spiritual and physical aspects of life, people should not abandon medical treatment,” he stated.
According to Dr. Adusei Dua, family physicians are trained to understand not only the scientific aspect of illness but also the spiritual and cultural beliefs patients may hold about their conditions.
“Family medicine is unique because we study patients beyond just science and medicine. We also learn about spirituality and even herbal medicine because these are part of how many people understand health and illness,” he explained.
He noted that in some cases, patients who develop serious conditions such as swollen stomachs or chronic illnesses may believe they are suffering from curses or spiritual attacks.
Dr. Adusei Dua said family physicians therefore take time to investigate the medical causes of illnesses through laboratory tests while also addressing the fears and beliefs of patients.
“Once the cause is identified, we explain it carefully to the patient.”
He stressed that patients can continue praying and seeking spiritual support while still adhering to prescribed medication and medical advice.
“Even when patients strongly believe there is a spiritual dimension, we encourage them to continue taking their medication while praying and keeping faith,” he added.
According to him, many patients stop taking medication because they are not properly educated about the medical causes and prognosis of their illnesses.
He explained that some conditions may have limited survival periods, but doctors are trained to help families understand such realities and manage patients appropriately.
“In many cases, patients stop taking their medication and are brought back to the hospital only when the condition has worsened,” he disclosed.
The specialist warned that some desperate families are sometimes exploited financially by individuals who promise spiritual cures after patients abandon proper medical care.
“If they had remained under proper medical care, doctors could have managed the condition, prolonged the patient’s life, and helped the person and family prepare emotionally and practically,” he said.
He further encouraged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine medical care, stressing that many illnesses can be prevented or managed effectively through early treatment.
