Victims of the recent explosion in Abuja have expressed frustration over the poor services at the National Hospital in the nation’s capital, calling for immediate action to address the dire conditions they endured. During a visit to the hospital on Thursday, SaharaReporters observed distressing scenes, with some patients sitting on the floor, their bodies covered in wounds and bandages.
Victims’ Accounts
Patients who spoke to SaharaReporters revealed that many of them were not attended to until the early hours of the following day, with some claiming they were discharged without receiving proper treatment.
“We waited for hours without any care. It wasn’t until around 4 a.m. the next day that some of us were finally seen by medical staff,” one victim lamented.
Others criticized the hospital’s lack of adequate facilities and personnel, highlighting the poor conditions they faced.
“This is supposed to be one of the best hospitals in the country, but the reality is far from it. We were treated poorly, and some of us were sent home even though we needed further medical attention,” another patient said.
Financial Burden on Families
The family of one patient receiving medical treatment expressed deep concerns over the rising costs of drugs and healthcare expenses, lamenting the financial burden placed on them while caring for their loved one.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure our loved one gets the best care, but the cost of treatment is becoming unbearable,” a relative of the patient said.
The family called on authorities to address the high cost of essential medicines, urging more subsidies or assistance programs to support patients and their caregivers.
Hospital’s Response
Hospital authorities acknowledged that some patients experienced delays in receiving medical attention, explaining that doctors prioritized those with severe injuries.
“Some patients were not attended to in a timely manner because others had major injuries that required urgent care,” an official said.
Officials reassured the public that those discharged did not have serious injuries and were stable enough to leave. Meanwhile, the hospital continues to manage the influx of patients and provide necessary treatment to those in need.
Efforts to get a reaction from Muhammad Gidado Adamu, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the National Hospital Abuja, proved unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Minister Wike’s Intervention
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that he has taken responsibility for the medical bills of victims involved in a tragic road accident in Karu.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he immediately instructed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure prompt medical attention for the victims.
“On my directive, Dr. Fasawe was at Asokoro District Hospital throughout the night, working alongside medical personnel attending to the 17 casualties brought in,” Wike stated.
According to the minister, seven of the victims were later transferred to the National Hospital, while six with minor injuries were successfully treated. Three others with severe burns and crush injuries remain under medical care, though one of them, who suffered third-degree burns, succumbed despite resuscitation efforts.
Call for Road Safety Measures
Wike used the opportunity to urge road users, particularly heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is painful that precious lives were lost, and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” he lamented.
He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to enforce road safety regulations and ensure strict compliance.
Conclusion
The complaints from explosion victims about the poor services at the National Hospital highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and emergency response systems in Abuja. As victims and their families call for better treatment and financial support, the incident underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Meanwhile, Minister Wike’s intervention in covering the medical bills of road accident victims demonstrates the need for proactive measures to support those affected by tragedies. However, the broader focus must remain on preventing such incidents through stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and improved healthcare services.
