Women who spend long days and sleepless nights in hospital wards caring for sick relatives have been described as unsung heroes whose sacrifices often go largely unnoticed.
The Mandate Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made the remark during a visit to patients at Kuje General Hospital in Abuja to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026.
Fasawe commended mothers who remain by the bedsides of loved ones receiving treatment, noting that their dedication provides comfort and hope that medicine alone cannot offer.
According to her, the visit was aimed at recognising the courage, resilience and sacrifices of women who leave the comfort of their homes to care for relatives admitted in hospitals.
“I am delighted to be at Kuje General Hospital today to visit women who are sick, or caring for sick loved ones. On this day, International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the theme ‘Giving to Gain,’” Fasawe said.
She observed that many mothers who care for patients in hospitals sacrifice their personal comfort and daily routines, often enduring difficult conditions just to remain close to their loved ones.
“These women are the quiet pillars of strength in our hospitals. They trade their warm beds for plastic chairs. They exchange the comfort of their kitchens for hospital corridors. They set aside their routines, their work, and often their own health simply to be present for someone they love,” she said.
Fasawe also highlighted the multiple roles mothers play within hospital wards, acting as caregivers, companions and emotional support systems despite not being trained medical personnel.
“They may not be on the hospital payroll, but they work tirelessly. They may not be trained nurses, but they carefully watch over their loved ones. And though they are not doctors, their presence often becomes the medicine that brings hope and strength,” she added.
She further noted that the emotional support provided by mothers often complements medical care, helping patients cope during periods of illness and vulnerability.
“In moments of illness and vulnerability, a mother’s presence provides something medicine alone cannot give — love, comfort and hope,” Fasawe said.
The FCTA official therefore paid tribute to mothers who remain steadfast in hospital wards despite the emotional and physical challenges involved.
“To every mother who has slept on a hospital bench, skipped meals to stay by a bedside, and carried hope when others felt weary — you are heroes. Not famous heroes, but the kind whose love heals in ways science cannot measure,” she said.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise the achievements and contributions of women globally while promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
