There has been a significant increase in patient visits at private hospitals throughout the country since the continuous strike initiated by...
There has been a significant increase in patient visits at private hospitals throughout the country since the continuous strike initiated by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Associations.
The closure of JOHESU, which started at midnight on November 14, has resulted in numerous public health centers lacking laboratory scientists, radiographers, physiotherapists, optometrists, pharmacists, or dieticians working.
Unions attributed the industrial action to the federal government's inability to introduce the revised Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and resolve ongoing issues related to worker welfare and systemic problems within the health sector.
Junior doctors have also been on strike since November 1 due to unpaid risk compensation backlogs, inadequate working environments, and the administration's inability to carry out social welfare improvements.
A visit to various private clinics in Kubwa, Wuse, and Lokogoma on Tuesday revealed packed waiting areas, extended consultation times, and heightened stress among healthcare workers.
In a private hospital located in Kubwa, Abigail Okafor, who had brought her son for medical care, mentioned that she had no alternative but to move from the public hospital she typically visits.
"I spent hours at the general hospital, only to be informed no doctors were available. Here, it's pricier, but at least someone will assist you," she remarked.
A different patient, Taiwo Benjamin, from a clinic in Wuse, characterized the increase as difficult to handle.
"Individuals are continuously arriving. On certain days, you might not even find a place to sit. However, what can we do? The government hospitals are closed," he stated.
Medical professionals in private clinics also reported a rise in their workload. A senior healthcare worker in Garki, who wished to remain unidentified, mentioned that the strike had 'doubled' the number of patients.
"We're getting by, but it's pushing us to our limits," he said.
Daily Trust reported that some doctors working for the government are reportedly offering their services at private hospitals while on strike. While many hospital administrators refused to comment, a clinic manager in Asokoro confirmed that these activities take place.
"It's not something new. Some of them visit this place occasionally. When government hospitals are closed, they tend to come here more frequently," she said.
Nevertheless, a physician from a federal hospital refuted the claim, stating that not all government doctors participate in private practice.
"Some of us aren't seeking advice from any place. Individuals should refrain from making broad assumptions. It's extremely challenging to be a government doctor while also practicing privately; there's nothing else to rely on besides our wages," he stated.
Borno
In Maiduguri, the strike at federal hospitals has affected both patients and healthcare workers. At the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, more than 200 patients were released, prompting many to look for treatment in private facilities.
A hospital representative stated, 'We had no choice but to allow them to depart in search of medical treatment elsewhere because of the shortage of doctors, and certain services were also impacted.'
Bakaka Lamin, whose wife is expecting a child, mentioned they had no choice when medical staff were not available.
"My wife was requested to open a file with standard delivery costs of N87,000. Numerous expectant mothers like her went back home since they couldn't manage the expense. The first private clinic I visited charged excessively—normal delivery was N125,000, and N235,000 if she required induction," he stated.
At various private clinics, patients—primarily pregnant women and children—were observed bargaining on costs to access affordable medical treatment.
A physician working at a private clinic, who wished to remain unidentified, mentioned that he was promoted over a year ago, but the raise has not been reflected in his pay.
"Almost all the hospitals, and even some pharmacies in this town, are run by medical professionals. This is the scenario we encountered," he stated.
Benue
In Benue State, private hospitals are experiencing higher attendance as patients who typically go to government-run institutions are now opting for them instead.
Despite having minimal services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Makurdi and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), numerous patients are now turning to private hospitals for medical care.
Several well-known private clinics in Makurdi have emerged as key healthcare providers. Ada Onogwu, a patient who was denied entry at BSUTH, mentioned that she is now being treated at a private clinic where striking government doctors are providing medical care.
"At least I've encountered two of them here," she said.
Mrs. Rebecca Onu, a diabetic patient who typically receives treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Otukpo, has also moved to a private clinic close to her residence.
Staff at BSUTH, who requested anonymity, mentioned that no new patients are being accepted except those already admitted prior to the strike and whose health status is not critical.
"Emergency cases are handled, stabilized, and then sent out to get appropriate care elsewhere. No new patients are being accepted," they stated.
At FMC Makurdi, the scenario is comparable, with patients who have appointments struggling to meet their physicians. Some individuals reported that these same doctors are employed at private hospitals with alternative timetables.
Terkula Hemba mentioned that support has increased at the private hospital where he is receiving care.
"A doctor from FMC has just completed a surgery. Another one took care of outpatients, including me," he said.
Bauchi
Private hospitals in the Bauchi area are also witnessing a significant increase in patients due to the current strike by resident doctors and JOHESU.
When the reporter toured several private institutions, he noted a large number of patients, extended lines at examination rooms, and heightened operations at medical testing centers where individuals now come for evaluation and diagnosis.
In a private hospital located in the Igbo quarters area, the wards were overcrowded, with numerous patients waiting in line at both the consultation rooms and the laboratory.
A worker, who wished to remain unidentified, stated that all wards were full because of the increase.
The source mentioned that numerous senior physicians at the private hospital also serve at the teaching hospital.
Abdulkadir Shehu, who had brought his ill wife for medical attention, mentioned that the strike compelled them to look for treatment at private hospitals.
"My wife's health is getting worse. I don't have any other choice but to take her here, where at least a doctor can care for her," he said.
Lagos
A physician at a private hospital in Lagos reported an increase in patient admissions since the strike started. He mentioned that many patients opted for private institutions to maintain their medical care, noting that the rise in numbers has placed a heavy burden on staff.
There has been an increase in private institutions. Certain patients with long-term illnesses typically reside in public hospitals, but due to the strike, they now need to come here to stabilize and maintain their treatment.
"We are attempting to manage, but it's pushing us to our limits," he stated.
Kano
In Kano, private hospitals visited by our reporter were filled with patients looking for medical care.
At a particular location on Gwarzo Road, a receptionist characterized the attendance as 'unprecedented and unusual.'
"Previously, we used to see around 25-30 patients each day, but the count has now increased to approximately 50 or more," she stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
