The gory image that was sent to me a few days back was that of a stab victim. But what drew my ire was the multitude of people that surrounded the victim, yet it didn’t occur to any of them to make an effort or mobilise for support to rush him to a hospital.
In fact, half of that crowd was busy with phones, making videos of a dying man!
An enraged me didn’t stop asking, “Is Nigeria cursed with an unthinking citizenry?”
Eight of 10 persons that are involved in an unfortunate incident in Nigeria will die an avoidable death!
This is because those that are quick to rush to the scene are either too ignorant or handicapped to be of any help to the victim.
What will it cost a body like the Nigerian Medical Association to carry out periodic outreaches that aim to teach regular people basic emergency response ‘dos and don’ts’?
They can even partner corporate and non-governmental organisations on these community development practices.
Is the Nigerian Medical Association too weak a group to lobby state governments for improved emergency response measures such as ambulance services?
I also wonder why teaching hospitals don’t send out their student doctors on community health engagements!
When the medical profession is first approached as a humanitarian endeavour and not as a money spinner, a lot will change in our soulless health system.
What exactly is the civic responsibility of the Nigerian Medical Association or don’t they realise they owe one to Nigeria?
Part of why Nigeria is where it is today is a citizenry that is waiting for the government (although dysfunctional) to do everything for them, including what we can do for ourselves.
Did you know that if you get murdered in Nigeria today, the probability of the system finding your killers and giving you justice is zilch?
Recently, a university undergraduate in Lagos slumped while playing football and was rushed to a hospital. About four hospitals that he was taken to rejected him.
It should be a crime for hospitals to reject emergency cases in Nigeria.
Help stabilise the patient before referring him or her for specialised care. And if it’s a hopeless case, at least they would die receiving medical attention.
What the Nigerian big man and thick madam fail to understand is that even if they have all the resources to buy good health overseas, if they are ever involved in an unfortunate incident (which happens daily in Nigeria anyways) and no effective help gets to them fast, their fate is the same as that of a beggar on the streets.
I don’t know when it will truly dawn on us that in a way, everyone’s fate is the same in a Nigeria that is not working!
Was it not in this country that a former governor and (then) senator was involved in a ghastly road accident that left his driver dead on the spot and part of his body permanently disfigured?
He was flown overseas for advanced medical intervention but considerable damage had been done to his body!
Dear Nigerians,
Next time you come across an injured or unwell person, mobilise those around to help get them to a hospital, fast.
Put away your phone and think of how you can be of help and support to your fellow human being.
It’s a stranger today, but it could be you or yours tomorrow.
Learn to put yourself in the other pair of shoes as these are the deeds that make you win with God and humanity.
Many Nigerians have recounted how the police framed them for stopping to help accident victims.
These are the issues that need serious attention from our lawmakers.
Why should someone inherit ‘wahala’ for being a good Samaritan?
It should also be mandated that every injured person receives medical attention first. Money talks should come second.
Credit: Chukwuneta Oby