Health is important for the existence of man and foundational to the enjoyment of all other rights.
Yet, in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, access to quality healthcare remains a distant dream for many.
Patients are groaning under the weight of inadequate medical attention, a shortage of specialists and power outages.
A recent visit to several public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed a fragile healthcare system struggling to cope with the demand.
75-year-old Baba Johnson Femi from Kogi State visited the Kubwa General Hospital seeking relief from a worsening neurological condition.
“Baba Femi on a wheelchair keep screaming in pains”
However, he was met with eight agonizing hours of neglect. According to his daughter, “Baba was just crying, screaming in pain. We begged for help, but no one came. They said there was no neurologist available.” Tragically, Baba Femi passed away the following morning.
Allegations suggest that only four neurologists serve the entire FCT. However, Dr. Ayo, a neurologist in the FCT, disputed this claim, stating that while they are few and overstretched, there are more than four neurologists serving the territory.
Visits to other public hospitals in the FCT revealed a similar story of inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, and a lack of compassion.
At the Kubwa General Hospital, one doctor was seen attending to a flood of patients, while at Asokoro General Hospital, frustration echoed from the waiting halls. Patients and their relatives shared harrowing tales of neglect and inadequate care.
At Kuje General Hospital, patients who arrived as early as 7 am were yet to see a doctor by 10:45 pm due to a power outage.
“To be honest, we don’t have light. It has always been like that. Sometimes, we go home without seeing a doctor. Hopefully, I just pray that I will see light before they close for the day,”said Mrs. Nnenna Ike, a patient.
Dark corridors with no doctor in sight at Kuje general hospital
For Mrs Christabel, it was a nightmare watching her child’s temperature rise with no doctor in sight.
“No doctor, no light. If there was light, they will be calling names. I feel so helpless,” she lamented.
Mr. Audu Maleek, who had travelled from Kiyi community, said it was his second fruitless visit in 48 hours.
“We came yesterday. Waited all day. No doctor. Came again today, same story. If the Primary Health Centre wasn’t on strike, we wouldn’t have come.”
Indeed, when Radio Nigeria visited the Kiyi Primary Health Centre, it was under lock and key.
Kiyi primary health centre locked due to industrial strike action
In the absence of functional public healthcare facilities, residents mentioned a private facility, St. Grace-Felix Memorial Hospital, run by Mr. Felix Ugwunkwo.
However, a visit to the clinic revealed inadequate equipment, shabby storage of drugs, and deteriorating infrastructure. Questions about Mr. Ugwunkwo’s qualifications to operate a hospital linger.
“I work with a team. I have medical professionals from Gwagwalada and Kuje hospitals. I’m not doing it alone,” Mr. Ugwunkwo stated.
The Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, UATH, Gwagwalada, Dr. Joseph Obande, said it was unethical for doctors to refer patients to their private clinic when they are overwhelmed.
Deputy CMAC, UATH, Gwagwalada, Dr. Joseph Obande
“It is unethical and criminal for anyone not licensed as a medical doctor to run a hospital. It endangers lives. People need to be reported and prosecuted.”
The crisis in Abuja’s healthcare system demands urgent attention. The government must prioritize the recruitment of more specialists, improve infrastructure, and ensure that public healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to provide quality care to patients. The lives of Nigerians depend on it.
This is the first of its series on the state of healthcare facilities in the FCT from Toscad News
