Katsina Hospital Faces Bed Shortage Amid Diphtheria Outbreak

The diphtheria outbreak in Katsina State has significantly impacted the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, causing severe pressure on its Children’s Ward due to a surge in suspected and confirmed cases. The hospital management reported on Saturday that it is receiving a large influx of patients referred from other health facilities, resulting in overcrowding and stretching its bed capacity beyond limits.

Despite these challenges, healthcare workers at the hospital continue to show commitment and resilience in providing necessary care to critically ill children. The management is making arrangements to accommodate the increasing number of patients, even amid the shortage of available beds.

They emphasized the need for stronger coordination among health facilities and stakeholders to manage the outbreak effectively. The hospital did not disclose the number of diphtheria patients currently admitted or the total cases recorded in Katsina State, but it remains committed to supporting the outbreak response.