Japa syndrome compounded by the shutting down of hospitals over a hike in electricity tariff is taking its toll on sick Nigerians requiring surgery as they wait for months in excruciating pain before having the life-saving procedure done. SODIQ OJUROUNGBE reports For 44-year-old Chioma Okoro, the pain in her lower abdomen had become a constant companion, making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Simple things like playing with her children or cooking dinner for her family became frustrating.
Okoro has always been the rock of her household but is now limited by excruciating pain. Life became unbearable for the mother of three after she was diagnosed with a hernia—a painful condition where an organ or tissue bulges through an abnormal opening. Accompanied by her husband, Okoro was at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, to complain about her excruciating pain when our correspondent approached them on one Wednesday afternoon.
Initially hesitant to speak, the husband eventually spoke after several minutes of persuasion. He revealed their ongoing struggle to secure surgery for his wife, a battle that had persisted for over six months. The husband lamented that despite being told by doctors that surgery was the only solution, his wife remained trapped on a never-ending waiting list, with her condition deteriorating with each passing day.
“When we came here in February this year, the doctors informed us that surgery was the only viable option. They expla.