….While patients’ pockets bleed, public hospitals lose revenue as the strike enters its third month
On January 30, 2026, Favour Nwaso (not her real name), a 28-year-old woman battling ovarian cysts and fibroids, was in severe pain when she visited the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. After consulting a senior medical specialist, she was informed that she would need surgery.
However, Nwaso’s situation took a distressing turn when the doctor explained that essential hospital services, including laboratory tests, pharmacy, radiology, and emergency units,were not functional due to the ongoing JOHESU strike. As a result, the procedure would have to be outsourced to a private health facility, where she would pay more than double the original cost.