ABUJA — An investigative report has laid bare the alarming state of public healthcare in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, where inadequate medical infrastructure, personnel shortages, and alleged negligence are contributing to preventable deaths and patient suffering across government-run hospitals.
The report, published by Punch Newspapers, highlights systemic failures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) healthcare sector. Despite being the administrative hub of the nation, Abuja’s public hospitals are plagued by outdated facilities, erratic power supply, insufficient medical equipment, and a critical shortage of healthcare workers.
In one tragic incident, a four-day-old baby reportedly died at Gwarimpa General Hospital due to alleged medical negligence. Relatives of patients at multiple facilities have shared distressing stories of being turned away, forced to purchase basic medical supplies, or left unattended during emergencies.
According to health experts, Nigeria is grappling with a worsening brain drain in the medical profession. In the last five years, over 15,000 Nigerian doctors have migrated abroad in search of better working conditions, leaving behind an already fragile system. The doctor-to-patient ratio now stands at approximately 1:8,000, well below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1:600.
Reacting to the growing crisis, the Federal Government has expressed concern over the frequency of avoidable deaths in the nation’s hospitals. Officials have admitted that poor medical attention and systemic neglect are undermining public confidence in government-owned healthcare institutions.
Health advocates are calling for urgent reforms, including increased funding, infrastructure upgrades, better remuneration for medical staff, and stronger regulatory oversight to ensure accountability and improved patient outcomes.
As the situation deteriorates, Abuja’s public healthcare system stands at a crossroads, with stakeholders urging immediate and sustained intervention to prevent further loss of life and restore faith in the system.
