Coalition Urges Tinubu to Declare Health Emergency

The Coalition Concern Nigerian Health Reform has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria's healthcare sector, citing critical manpower shortages and declining infrastructure that have worsened access to quality medical services across the country. During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition, represented by its coordinator Muniretu Isa, highlighted that the healthcare sector is under immense pressure due to the continuous migration of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

Current statistics indicate that there are only 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population of 220 million Nigerians. The coalition warned that the shortage of healthcare workers is overstretching hospitals nationwide, leading to long wait times and limited access to specialist services, particularly in rural communities.

They urged the federal government to implement a comprehensive healthcare recovery program focusing on recruitment, retention of healthcare workers, and increased investment in hospital infrastructure to address the crisis.