A viral picture of a Nigerian assistant surgeon performing surgery under torchlight has reignited public concern over chronic power failures and the country’s deteriorating healthcare infrastructure.
- A Nigerian doctor shared her first surgery experience online, but it was done under torchlight due to a power outage.
- The picture shows an aide holding a phone flashlight while she sutures a patient in near-total darkness.
- Her reply, “This is Nigeria,” triggered widespread reactions about the state of health facilities nationwide.
Many Nigerians on social media expressed shock and frustration, lamenting that 26 years into democracy, hospitals still lack reliable electricity. Others defended the doctor’s commitment, calling out government neglect and applauding her courage amid difficult working conditions.
How long will Nigeria’s young professionals endure working in substandard conditions before leaving? Will power and health reforms ever meet citizens’ basic expectations?
