Outrage in Nigeria as Vet Performs Surgery with Phone Light!

Nigeria is buzzing with disbelief after a veterinary surgeon was caught on camera performing a surgery using only a phone’s flashlight. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the state of healthcare in the country. Let’s dive into the details of this shocking event.

A Nigerian vet performed surgery using a phone flashlight due to power outage.
The incident sparked outrage and highlights challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.
Poor power supply, remuneration, and working conditions are pushing healthcare workers abroad.
Nigerians are calling on the government to fix the healthcare system.

Vet’s Viral Tweet Sparks Debate

The drama unfolded when a veterinary surgeon shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), showing herself performing an operation on an animal with a fractured femur. What caught everyone’s attention? She was using the flashlight from her phone to see!

I WAS THE ASSISTANT SURGEON TODAY!!😊 pic.twitter.com/fxjwTW1kge
Also read - Hypertension Crisis: Only 2.5% of Nigerians Have It Under Control!
— Rokky!💕 (@mama_rokky) May 13, 2025

“This is Nigeria!” Vet Defends Her Actions

Social media users were quick to express their shock and disappointment. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright condemnation. One user questioned the sanity of using a phone torch during surgery, while another lamented how far behind Nigeria is.

In response to the uproar, the vet simply stated, “This is Nigeria! I don’t know why most of you are surprised!” Her reaction underscores the harsh reality many healthcare professionals face in the country.

This is Nigeria! I don’t know why most of you are surprised!
— Rokky!💕 (@mama_rokky) May 14, 2025

Nigeria’s Ailing Health Sector

This incident is just a symptom of a much larger problem. Nigeria’s health sector is plagued by numerous challenges, including:

Erratic Power Supply: Frequent blackouts disrupt medical procedures and endanger patients’ lives.
Poor Remuneration: Low salaries and lack of incentives drive healthcare workers to seek better opportunities abroad.
Unfavorable Working Conditions: Inadequate facilities and resources make it difficult for medical professionals to do their jobs effectively.

The mass emigration of healthcare workers, often referred to as “brain drain,” further exacerbates the situation.

Flashlights in the Operating Room: A Recurring Nightmare

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. There have been numerous reports of doctors and nurses resorting to using flashlights to perform surgeries due to power outages. Major hospitals, including University College Hospital (UCH) in Oyo State and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), have struggled with prolonged power disruptions.

Nigerians Demand Action

The public outcry following the vet’s viral post highlights the urgent need for government intervention. Nigerians are demanding that authorities address the systemic issues plaguing the health sector and ensure that medical professionals have the resources they need to provide quality care.

What Can Be Done?

Here are some potential solutions:

Invest in reliable power infrastructure for hospitals: Solar power could be a viable alternative.
Increase healthcare funding: Allocate more resources to improve facilities and equipment.
Improve healthcare worker salaries and benefits: Offer competitive compensation packages to retain talent.
Create a more supportive working environment: Provide adequate training and resources to healthcare professionals.

The Bottom Line

The veterinary surgeon’s use of a phone flashlight during surgery has exposed the dire state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. It’s time for the government to take decisive action to address these challenges and ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality medical care.