The healthcare system in Nigeria is in a really bad shape, and it’s making it hard for so many people to get the care they need. It’s actually heartbreaking because healthcare is something everyone should be able to access easily, but that’s far from what is happening in our country.
First of all, we don’t have enough qualified doctors.
This is a serious problem. So many lives have been lost because of mistakes or complications that could have been avoided if we had enough skilled professionals. And let’s be honest, it’s not entirely the doctors’ fault. Most of them aren’t even paid well, and they don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Imagine going through years of stressful schoolwork, sleepless nights, and intense training, only to end up working in a place where you’re overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. This is why so many doctors are leaving the country to work in places where they are better paid and treated with respect . These has created a huge gap in our healthcare system, and we’re the ones suffering for it.
Another big issue is the lack of proper healthcare facilities.
There aren’t enough hospitals or clinics to take care of everyone. And the few ones that we have are either overcrowded or under-equipped. It’s crazy that in 2025, some people in rural areas don’t even have access to clinic or hospitals. They have to travel just to see a doctor. Some them don’t even make it. And when the hospitals we have in the country can’t handle certain cases, people are forced to fly abroad for treatment. It’s actually ridiculous that we have to depend on other countries for something as basic as healthcare.
Let’s not even talk about the cost of healthcare—it’s way too expensive.
Private hospitals charge a lot of money for treatment, and not everyone can afford that. Government hospitals are supposed to be cheaper, but they’re usually overcrowded, and even then, the cost can still be too much for some people. What’s worse is that most hospitals won’t even start treatment unless you’ve paid something some part of the bills. Imagine being in a life-or-death situation, needing immediate surgery, and being told, “Sorry, we can’t start until you’ve paid.” It’s inhumane, and it has led to so many unnecessary deaths.
But these problems aren’t impossible to fix. I believe it just takes the right effort, especially from the government.
First, pay healthcare workers well.
These people spend years studying and training to save lives. They deserve to be paid a salary that they deserve for their hard work and importance. If doctors and other medical workers are well-paid, they’ll be less likely to leave the country, and they’ll be motivated to give their best to the job.
Second, build more hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas.
Healthcare shouldn’t be something people have to travel hours to get. If more clinics and hospitals are available, it will save lives. Also, make treatment affordable. Nobody should have to choose between paying hospital bills and putting food on the table. Subsidizing healthcare costs will go a long way in helping people get the care they need without them having to borrow money from frirnds or even do all sort of things just to raise money.
Lastly, let’s educate people about their health.
In Nigeria today, there are so many people who don’t understand how important it is to take care of their health. They don’t actually know the risks of ignoring certain symptoms or living unhealthy lifestyles and that is where thr creation of health awareness programs becomes important. By creating health awareness programs, we can teach people how to prevent illnesses and take proper care of themselves. This will not only save lives but also reduce the pressure on hospitals.
Thanks for reading.
I invite @oyebola and @ac-blog to also participate in the contest.