Dr. Yusuf Ahmadi, a radiologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, has called for urgent measures to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system to better handle emergencies, citing staff shortages, insecurity, inadequate equipment, and pressure on personnel.
He told reporters on Tuesday that hospitals need better preparation and standardised facilities to respond effectively to emergencies and deliver quality healthcare nationwide.
According to him, many hospitals are constrained by poor funding, rising insecurity, and insufficient manpower, all of which continue to weaken healthcare delivery across the country.
“The workload is too much, and many hospitals lack the basic equipment needed for daily operations and emergency responses,” he said.
Ahmadi said inadequate tools and limited manpower continue to undermine the efficiency of the health system, making it difficult for professionals to deliver optimal care.
He also raised concerns over worsening insecurity affecting health workers, noting that incidents of kidnappings, attacks, and robberies have increased fear among medical personnel.
Ahmadi referenced recent cases where health workers were targeted, warning that such conditions are discouraging professionals from staying in the system.
“The pressure on the remaining workers becomes heavier when people leave because of insecurity,” he said.
He decried insufficient funding for healthcare research and emergency services, saying many medical teams operate without adequate ambulances, supplies, and essential emergency equipment.
Although Nigerian health professionals are highly skilled, Ahmadi explained that poor operational support limits their effectiveness.
“There is a lack of grants and funding for research. Emergency response is weak because basic things are not available,” he said.
He added that burnout is becoming increasingly common among health workers due to excessive workloads and poor working conditions.
Ahmadi emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals, noting that weak teamwork and poor mentorship structures are affecting service delivery and patient outcomes.
“Improving mentorship and creating better cooperation between doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals would strengthen patient care and emergency response,” he said.
He also called for improved welfare packages — including better salaries, housing support, and transportation allowances — to retain medical professionals in the country.
Ahmadi further urged increased investment in emergency equipment, ambulances, and medical supplies, stressing that preparedness is critical for saving lives during public health emergencies.
