Zaria experiencing shortage of doctors, says Emir of Zazzau

The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed concern over the acute shortage of medical doctors in health facilities across Zaria. Speaking when the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and other partners, paid him a courtesy visit during a free medical outreach, the […]

The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed concern over the acute shortage of medical doctors in health facilities across Zaria.

Speaking when the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and other partners, paid him a courtesy visit during a free medical outreach, the Emir lamented that only a few doctors serve the city despite its large population.

He particularly decried the situation at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, the largest health facility in the area, which struggles to cope with the daily influx of patients.

“In most cases, my people travel about 20 kilometers to access healthcare at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. This is when we have a general hospital closer to us. 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 said.

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While commending MWAN and its partners for bringing medical and surgical services closer to the people, the Emir described the intervention as timely and strategic.

Dr. Aisha Mustapha, President of MWAN, Kaduna State branch, explained that the outreach was part of activities to mark the association’s 24th National Conference and Scientific Meeting.

According to her, the exercise, held at the primary school adjacent to the Emir’s palace, was designed to benefit at least 1,000 patients. Services included minor surgeries, cervical screening, radiology, dental care, eye treatment, and the donation of corrective glasses to presbyopia patients.

“Most of us were schooled in this community, and it is time to give back as part of our social responsibility. That is why we decided to hold this biennial medical outreach right here in the palace,” Dr. Mustapha added.