The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has sounded the alarm over the dire shortage of medical doctors in Zaria’s health facilities, a crisis that has left residents traveling far distances for healthcare.
During a courtesy visit by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and other organizations, the Emir lamented the plight of his people. He cited the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, the area’s largest healthcare facility, which struggles to keep up with the daily influx of patients due to the severe shortage of medical personnel.
Residents are often forced to travel 20 kilometers to access healthcare at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika, a situation the Emir described as unacceptable in this day and age. “There is no reason why one should travel such a distance to access healthcare in the 21st century – it does not speak well of us,” he emphasized.
However, the Emir commended MWAN and its partners for their timely intervention, bringing much-needed medical and surgical services closer to the people through a free medical outreach. The event, held at a primary school near the Emir’s palace, provided services to over 1,000 patients, including minor surgeries, cervical screenings, radiology, dental care, and eye treatment. Corrective glasses were also donated to presbyopia patients.
Dr. Aisha Mustapha, President of MWAN’s Kaduna State branch, explained that the outreach was part of the association’s 24th National Conference and Scientific Meeting. According to her, the exercise was a gesture of social responsibility, giving back to the community that schooled many of the association’s members.
