Posted on: Fri 21-11-2025

A nationwide spike in patient attendance has been recorded across private hospitals as the strikes by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Associations continue to cripple public healthcare services.

The shutdown by JOHESU, which began at midnight on November 14, has left government hospitals without key professionals including laboratory scientists, radiographers, physiotherapists, optometrists, pharmacists and dieticians. The unions accuse the federal government of failing to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and ignoring long-standing welfare and systemic issues.

Resident doctors, who have been on strike since November 1, are demanding payment of hazard allowance arrears, improved working conditions and implementation of welfare reforms.

 

Abuja: Patients Flood Private Facilities

In Abuja, private clinics in Kubwa, Wuse and Lokogoma were overcrowded on Tuesday, with long waiting times and medical staff under immense pressure.

At a hospital in Kubwa, Abigail Okafor, who brought her son for treatment, said she was forced to abandon the public hospital she normally patronises.

“I waited for hours at the general hospital only to be told no doctor was available. Here, it’s more expensive, but at least someone will attend to you,” she said.

Another patient, Taiwo Benjamin in Wuse, described the surge as overwhelming.

“People are just trooping in. Some days you won’t even get space to sit,” he said.

Private doctors also confirmed the increased workload, with one senior medical officer in Garki saying patient turnout had “doubled.”

There are also allegations that some government-employed doctors are consulting in private hospitals during the strike. A clinic administrator in Asokoro confirmed the practice, though a federal hospital doctor denied the claims, urging the public not to generalise.

 

Borno: Over 200 Patients Discharged as Strike Bites

In Maiduguri, the impact has been severe. At the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), over 200 patients were discharged due to the absence of doctors.

A source at the hospital said discharged patients were advised to seek care elsewhere, including private facilities.

Bakaka Lamin, whose pregnant wife is due for delivery, lamented the high cost of private care.

“We had no option. Private hospitals are charging N87,000 for normal delivery. Some are asking for as much as N125,000 and N235,000 if induction is needed,” he said.

Private clinics visited were packed with mostly pregnant women and children, many bargaining for affordable treatment.

 

Benue: Striking Doctors Seen in Private Hospitals

In Benue State, some private hospitals have become the main alternative for patients after skeletal services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Makurdi and Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

A patient, Ada Onogwu, admitted at a private clinic, said she had seen striking government doctors attending to patients there.

Mrs Rebecca Onu, a diabetic patient, also switched to a private clinic after being unable to access care at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.

At BSUTH, workers said no new patients were being admitted except for those already on admission with non-life-threatening conditions.

At FMC Makurdi, patients on appointment were unable to see their doctors, with some claiming that these same doctors are consulting privately.

 

Bauchi: Wards Filled to Capacity

In Bauchi metropolis, private hospitals are witnessing large turnouts, long queues and increased demand for diagnostic services.

At a private hospital in Igbo quarters, wards were full, with many patients awaiting consultations.

A staff member, who declined to be named, said many senior doctors in private clinics also work at the teaching hospital.

Abdulkadir Shehu, who brought his sick wife for treatment, said the strike left them with no alternative.

 

Lagos: Chronically Ill Patients Seek Stability in Private Care

Private hospitals in Lagos are also experiencing a surge.

A doctor in one facility said many chronically ill patients who rely on public hospitals have had to seek stabilisation in private clinics.

“We are trying to cope, but it is stretching us,” he said.

 

Kano: ‘Unprecedented’ Turnout

In Kano, private hospitals were filled with patients seeking medical attention.

A receptionist at a facility along Gwarzo Road said patient turnout had doubled.

“We used to receive 25–30 patients daily, but now it’s about 50 or more,” she said.

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