Painkiller misuse fueling kidney failure in young Nigerians, says Physician

US-based cardiologist Fidelis Mkparu has warned that indiscriminate use of painkillers and other over-the-counter medications is contributing to rising kidney failure cases among young Nigerians, according to TheCable.

Speaking in an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Mkparu said he was alarmed by the number of Nigerians in their 30s receiving dialysis treatment. He attributed the trend partly to easy access to medications without prescriptions, calling for stricter drug regulation and public education. Mkparu noted hypertension, diabetes and dehydration also contribute to kidney disease, while defending Nigerian physicians, citing inadequate healthcare funding and infrastructure as key systemic challenges.