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Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli (photo credit Zazzau emirate) |
The Emir of Zazzau highlights the shortage of doctors in Zaria’s hospitals, stressing the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities and medical staff.
Emir of Zazzau Raises Alarm Over Healthcare Crisis
The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed deep concern over the shortage of doctors in Zaria, stressing that health facilities across the city are struggling to meet the medical needs of its growing population.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Emir revealed that only a handful of doctors are available to serve residents despite the high demand for healthcare.
Gambo Sawaba General Hospital Overwhelmed
The Emir specifically mentioned the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria’s largest health facility, which has been overwhelmed by the daily influx of patients.
He noted that:
- Many residents are forced to travel about 20 kilometers to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Shika for treatment.
- This situation is unacceptable in the 21st century, as access to healthcare should be more efficient and closer to the people.
“There is no reason why one should travel such a distance to access healthcare in this era—it does not speak well of us,” the Emir said.
Free Medical Outreach Brings Relief
The medical outreach was part of MWAN’s 24th National Conference and Scientific Meeting and aimed at reducing the burden on local hospitals. According to Dr. Aisha Mustapha, President of MWAN, Kaduna State branch, the program was designed to provide free services to at least 1,000 patients.
Services offered during the outreach included:
- Minor surgical operations
- Cervical cancer screening
- Radiology and diagnostic services
- Dental care
- Eye treatment and donation of corrective glasses for presbyopia patients
Dr. Mustapha emphasized that the outreach was also a way of giving back to the community, especially as many MWAN members received their education in Zaria.
Addressing the Healthcare Gap in Zaria
The Emir of Zazzau commended the MWAN and its partners for their timely intervention but stressed the need for sustainable healthcare solutions in Zaria.
Healthcare experts argue that the shortage of doctors is not unique to Zaria but reflects a wider national challenge. According to Nigeria Health Watch, the country still grapples with an insufficient doctor-to-patient ratio, far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standard.
Similarly, reports from the Federal Ministry of Health indicate that doctor migration (brain drain) has further worsened the availability of qualified medical professionals across Nigeria.
Way Forward
To tackle the shortage of doctors in Zaria, stakeholders have suggested:
- Recruitment of more healthcare professionals into public hospitals.
- Improved incentives and working conditions to discourage brain drain.
- Strengthening partnerships with organizations like MWAN and CHAI to provide regular community-based medical interventions.
- Expanding medical infrastructure in Zaria to reduce pressure on ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika.
The Emir’s call for urgent action underscores the healthcare challenges in Zaria. While temporary interventions like free medical outreach bring immediate relief, long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure and staffing is crucial to ensure that residents have consistent access to quality medical services.
With proper government intervention and partnerships with organizations like MWAN, CHAI, and other health-focused NGOs, Zaria can gradually close the gap in doctor availability and improve healthcare delivery for its people.
