Economic hardship is forcing many residents of Sokoto State to bypass hospitals in favour of more affordable treatment options at local pharmacies.
With rising costs and financial constraints, patients are opting to purchase medicines directly from pharmacies instead of visiting hospitals for proper checkups and prescriptions.
Hospital staff across Sokoto have expressed concern over the growing trend of low patient turnout, which they attribute to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
According to healthcare workers, many patients now prefer the convenience of pharmacies, which offer cheaper medications, even if it means self-diagnosing their conditions rather than seeking medical advice.
ASHENEWS visited several hospitals and clinics across Sokoto and found that patient numbers have drastically declined.
While some patients initially attempt self-treatment with over-the-counter drugs, they often return to hospitals only after multiple failed attempts to manage their conditions on their own.
A staff member at Model Hospital in Dambuwa, Mrs. Azumi Musa told ASHENEWS that the hospital has not seen any patients in the past three weeks.
This situation, she said is taking a toll on hospital revenue.
“The last time we had patients was three weeks ago.
“Because of the situation in the country, most people now go to pharmacies for treatment. They only come to the hospital after visiting pharmacies four or five times without getting better.”
“Even when patients do come, many struggle to pay the N2,000 fee for a patient card.
“It’s hard for them to pay.
“They often say they don’t have money. After we prescribe medicine, they usually take the prescription to a pharmacy instead of buying the drugs from us because they can’t afford it.”
Mrs. Musa noted the impact of the country’s economic struggles on everyone’s ability to pay for healthcare.
“It’s hard for people to afford healthcare now. Even I’ve noticed changes in other businesses. For example, my hairstylist now opens her shop later in the day because no customers come in the morning.”
At Liberty Clinic, located opposite Bafarawa Housing Estate, nurse Mrs. Muhammad Asabe reported a similar decline.
“We don’t see patients anymore. I don’t know if everyone is healthy now because last month, we only had 10 patients. Just three months ago, we had over 63 patients. But now, it seems everyone prefers going to pharmacies for treatment because of money.”
Mrs. Asabe, who has worked at the clinic for over five years, said this situation is new to them.
“We’re not happy about it. I wish things could go back to how they used to be, where patients would come to the clinic for tests first, then go to the pharmacy to buy the prescribed drugs. Now, they go straight to pharmacies, even though they might not know what illness they are treating.”
Dr. Bashir Kabir of Victory Hospital also shared his frustration with the decline in patient visits.
“Our hospital is small, but I used to have many home treatment patients. I would visit some every week, and others every 3 or 4 days.
“Before, they would call me when they needed me. Now, I’m the one calling them when it’s been over a week without hearing from them. Even then, they tell me they don’t have money for my transportation or service and ask me to just send the prescription.”
Dr. Kabir, who expressed concern over the shift in patient behaviour warned that such behaviours could pose risks to their health.
“The economic situation is forcing people to avoid seeking quality care. They are choosing cheaper, low-quality medications, which is risky for their health. It’s dangerous, but it’s what they can afford,” he added.
At Ashmed Specialist Hospital, Steve Adonalo noted that the past two months have been eerily quiet, indicating that the rising cost of living is clearly affecting residents’ ability to afford healthcare.
“Some days, I come to the hospital and don’t have anything to do until closing time because there are no patients. Even when we do have patients, they are very few, and it’s because of the tough situation in the country,” he said.
Adonalo pointed out that transportation expenses are also discouraging people from seeking hospital visits.
Mr. Adonalo also spoke with one of his home treatment patients, who explained that she rarely goes out anymore.
“She told me that going out means spending money, whether it’s on buying things or paying for transportation. With the celebration coming up soon, and no money to prepare, she prefers to stay home.”
“It’s not just about the cost of treatment; it’s about the cost of getting to the hospital. People just can’t afford to go out as often as they used to,” he explained.
Miss Ladies Abubakar from Shepherd Specialist Hospital shared a troubling story of a woman who waited two months to save enough money for an operation.
“She only came in for surgery last week after saving for two months. It’s heartbreaking to see how financial difficulties are delaying urgent medical care,” she said.
Miss Abubakar noted the overall decline in patient visits, adding that December, usually a busy time for hospitals, feels unusually quiet this year.
“Normally, December is a lively month, but this year it feels like the whole place is empty. It’s as if people have left Sokoto for somewhere else,” she said.
Across Sokoto, the growing preference for pharmacies over hospitals is a stark reminder of how the ongoing economic crisis is reshaping the healthcare landscape.
As patients continue to struggle with rising costs, many are forced to make difficult choices that could compromise their health.
