Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator, Nosa Afolabi, better known as Lasisi Elenu, has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, calling for urgent action to improve access to quality medical care.
Elenu made his concerns known in a video shared on social media, where he appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other state governors to pay greater attention to the challenges confronting the country’s health sector.
Speaking emotionally about his experiences, the comedian questioned why patients in need of urgent medical attention could be turned away from hospitals because of a lack of available bed space.
He said the situation was particularly disturbing in Lagos, which he described as a major metropolitan city, arguing that Nigerians should not have to move from one hospital to another in search of basic medical attention.
Elenu also recalled the death of his mother in 2022, saying his family experienced difficulties securing admission for her as they moved between federal hospitals and were repeatedly confronted with the issue of unavailable bed spaces.
According to him, the experience left a lasting emotional impact on him and his family.
He further expressed concern over what he described as shortages of doctors, nurses, beds, oxygen, blood and medicines, arguing that some Nigerians may be losing their lives because of inadequate access to essential medical resources.
“The Nigerian hospitals have failed too many people. They have failed too many people. They have failed me. They have failed my family,” he said.
Elenu also questioned the continued migration of medical professionals from Nigeria and urged government authorities to focus on improving the capacity and functionality of healthcare facilities rather than concentrating mainly on cosmetic renovations.
His comments come amid broader concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, including health-worker shortages, inadequate financing and access to quality medical services.
The Federal Government, however, has said it is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the health sector, including recruitment and training of health workers and measures to address workforce migration.
Elenu’s intervention has added his voice to growing public calls for improved healthcare delivery and better access to emergency medical services across the country.
