Written By Amos Williams
Editted by Ezennia Uche
In a country where more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, access to healthcare should be a public good, not a gamble. Yet Nigeria’s public health system is increasingly defined by uncertainty, as recurring industrial actions continue to disrupt medical services nationwide.
Indefinite strikes by healthcare workers, often announced with little or no notice, have made it difficult for Nigerians to access care in public hospitals. For many citizens who cannot afford private medical services, these facilities remain their only option. The consequence of these disruptions has been dire, with patients left untreated, surgeries postponed, and preventable deaths reported across the country.
Public hospitals play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, particularly for low-income earners. Consultation fees and treatment costs in private hospitals are beyond the reach of many households, leaving vulnerable populations exposed whenever public facilities shut down. The repeated breakdown of services has raised concerns about medical negligence, accountability, and the right to healthcare.
At the heart of the crisis are long-standing welfare issues affecting medical professionals. Resident doctors, in particular, have cited poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, unpaid allowances, and weak healthcare infrastructure as reasons for their persistent agitation. These challenges have also fueled the growing migration of Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad, further weakening an already strained system.
While healthcare workers have a legitimate right to demand improved conditions, the frequency and timing of strikes have sparked debate about their broader impact on society. Health sector unions are increasingly being urged to reassess their strategies, as prolonged disruptions now pose a significant threat to public health and socio-economic stability.
The Federal Government, it must be said, bears a substantial share of responsibility. Repeated failures to honor agreements and address structural deficiencies in the healthcare sector have contributed to the recurring standoffs between authorities and medical unions. These confrontations have not only damaged public confidence in government-run hospitals but have also imposed severe hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
Returning to the negotiation table is no longer optional; it is imperative. With a reported two-week window leading up to January 25, stakeholders—including the Federal Government, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), and other health sector unions—have an opportunity to reach a lasting resolution.
Healthcare disputes should never be allowed to cost human lives. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for sustained dialogue, policy consistency, and meaningful reforms to protect both healthcare workers and the citizens who depend on them.
