In today’s world, stories like Angela Nwosu’s force us to reflect on the painful truths about the healthcare system in Nigeria. Angela, a Nigerian living abroad, shared a personal video on social media showing her pregnancy journey. In the video, we see Angela in labour, leaving her luxurious home with her husband and maid to go to a well-equipped hospital in a foreign country. There, she has access to state-of-the-art medical care, providing comfort and safety during a life-changing event.
“Dinner is served at the hospital, join me,” Angela says in her video, inviting us into the world of comfort and luxury that many Nigerians can only dream of. While Angela enjoys a beautiful dinner in her hospital bed, in Nigeria, even getting food for your family has become a luxury for many, let alone receiving proper healthcare.
Sadly, the reality in Nigerian hospitals is far different. Many hospitals in Nigeria, especially outside the cities, are poorly equipped, with rundown facilities and limited access to medical supplies. In these hospitals, the floors are often so dirty that people have to wear nose masks just to breathe properly. The roads leading to these hospitals are in a terrible state, filled with dirt, feces, and danger. For too many Nigerians, seeking healthcare becomes a nightmare, not a relief.
As we watch Angela’s video, we are reminded of the painful reality in Nigeria’s health system. Healthcare is not just about treatment; it is about dignity and respect. How can a country with vast resources, and the largest population in Africa, allow its people to suffer in such conditions? This raises an important question: “When will Nigeria rise above its underdeveloped state?”
Angela’s video carries a message of hope, even amidst such a sad reality. “Cry not, my country people, though we are broken but not beyond repairs.” Be encouraged Nigerians, do not to give in to despair. Although it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the differences between the healthcare she experienced abroad and the challenges many Nigerians face. We must reflect on the words of Dr. Paul Enenche: “A nation can only be truly great when it cares for its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.”
I remember when my wife gave birth. Instead of a comfortable hospital bed, she had to lie on an iron bed with a thin, uncomfortable mattress. The conditions were terrible. This personal experience shows just how much Nigeria has fallen behind in providing basic healthcare for its people.
While some people in Nigeria are buying luxury cars worth billions, our hospitals continue to fall apart. The money that could improve healthcare, build better roads, and clean up our hospitals is being spent on personal gains. Nigeria has the resources to fix its health system, but poor leadership and bad priorities keep holding us back.
The situation calls for urgent action. As Dr. Odoma once said, “Leadership is not about sitting in luxury; it is about serving the people with integrity.” Nigeria’s leaders must realize that the true measure of progress isn’t about personal wealth or comfort, but about ensuring the well-being of every citizen.
It’s time for change. We need our leaders to stop making excuses and start acting. The people of Nigeria deserve better than iron beds and unclean hospitals. They deserve a future where their health is a priority, where every citizen has access to good medical care, and where safety and dignity are guaranteed.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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