Medical doctors under the Medical Guild have called for a system-wide approach to address the persistent “no bed” challenge that continues to delay patient care across Lagos hospitals.

At the Guild’s Scientific Conference in Lagos, Chairman Dr. Moruf AbdulSalam highlighted that the scarcity of beds, poor inter-hospital communication, patient referral rejections, and road traffic delays are key factors worsening patient outcomes. He stressed that solutions must go beyond simply increasing bed numbers, advocating for technology, policy reforms, and collaboration between public and private healthcare providers.

AbdulSalam said the conference theme, “The No-Bed Conundrum and Safe Referrals: Exploring an Effective Referral System in Lagos,” reflects the Guild’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery. He also called on the Federal Government to resolve outstanding demands of resident doctors, emphasizing that nationwide strikes have disrupted essential services.

Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chairman of the Guild’s Board of Trustees, praised coordinated leadership in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, while keynote speaker Dr. Babayemi Osinaike urged leveraging telemedicine and digital platforms to reduce pressure on emergency units and improve patient referrals.

Dr. Osinaike recommended a unified platform connecting public and private hospitals, ensuring patients can access beds efficiently, and encouraged Lagos residents to join the state health insurance scheme to reduce financial barriers.

Permanent Secretary of Lagos Health District VI, Dr. Olufemi Omololu, stressed the importance of workplace situational awareness and patient-centred communication for doctors. Similarly, Dr. Beatrice Makinde of LASAMBUS and Dr. Bamidele Ayodele of LASUTH highlighted systemic delays and affordability challenges as major contributors to the crisis.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, lauded the Guild’s efforts in strengthening healthcare and urged participants to implement the lessons learned to enhance service delivery.