Patients complain of staff and drug shortages in hospitals across Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti.

Patients in public hospitals across Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States are reporting serious disruptions in healthcare services caused by staff shortages and a lack of essential medicines.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the shortages of health workers and drugs are affecting medical services in hospitals throughout the three states.

Patients have urged their respective state governments to tackle the severe manpower gaps and the high cost of medication in order to save more lives.

Speaking with NAN, Mr Julius Adegoroye, a patient at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa, said the hospital is experiencing a severe workforce crisis that leaves patients vulnerable.

“How can a few doctors and nurses be attending to lots of patients, many of whom are in serious pain and need attention, but a shortage of health workers is affecting their services,” he said.

Mrs Iyabo Akinugba, another patient, complained that the rising cost of medications outside hospitals creates a major crisis, often leading to non‑adherence, worsened health conditions and, in some tragic cases, fatalities.

“After attending to you, they ask you to buy drugs from pharmacies outside the hospital, which is very expensive, and this is really taking a toll on patients,” she said. “This is a government hospital, and this is the place for the common man. Although nobody prays to be sick, it’s inevitable. I appeal to the government to restore this facility to its former glory for citizens to enjoy its free healthcare services,” she added.

In Osogbo, Mrs Abibatu Igbalaye, an elderly woman who was at the maternity ward of the Osun State General Hospital in Asubiaro to support her daughter after childbirth, praised the hospital for providing free healthcare services. However, she noted that patients were required to provide delivery kits and other consumables used during treatment.

Dr Ayorinde Adewale, a medical practitioner, identified the acute shortage of health professionals in general hospitals as a major challenge in the sector. He said many specialist doctors, including neurosurgeons, cardiologists and oncologists, have left the country because of poor remuneration and service conditions. He warned that the remaining doctors are overworked and underpaid, a trend that could discourage professionals from working in public hospitals.

Mrs Kabirat Alabi, a patient at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, said the hospital continues to improve its services and provide quality healthcare. She emphasised the need for sustained commitment to global best practices in healthcare delivery in the state.

Mrs Abimbola Idowu, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, said the hospital is performing well in healthcare delivery through improved facilities, skilled personnel and patient‑centred care. She added that the hospital remains committed to delivering efficient and accessible healthcare services.

In an interview with NAN, Prof John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), called for improved funding to address infrastructural and operational challenges in public hospitals. He noted that the “Japa” syndrome and industrial disputes are affecting service delivery, appealing for increased government intervention.

Dr Sam Adegboye, Assistant Chief Medical Officer at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido‑Ekiti, urged the government to ensure fair remuneration for health workers and called on medical directors to tackle corruption in the sector. A urologist, he said low morale was negatively affecting hospital productivity, while poor maintenance of diagnostic equipment often leads to breakdowns. “Government should ensure proper remuneration, curb corruption, and guarantee that equipment is maintained by qualified personnel,” he said.

Dr Bisola Alao, a general practitioner, stated that the doctor‑to‑patient ratio was about 30 to one, describing the workload on medical personnel as excessive. “Prompt salary payment is not enough; workers must receive their full benefits,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Austine Ibikunle, Chairman of the Ekiti State Hospital Management Board, said the state government has begun construction of three new general hospitals in Awo Ekiti, Ikogosi Ekiti and Ipao Ekiti. He said the construction is part of broader health sector reforms aimed at fortifying the state health sector with necessary equipment and personnel to meet international standards. The chairman added that the government has also embarked on massive recruitment of about 100 doctors and other categories of health workers for its general hospitals and other health centres in batches.

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