Doctor Recalls Conducting Surgeries With Torchlight at Amaku Hospital

A Canada based Nigerian medical doctor, Dr. Charles Kenechukwu, has recalled the difficult working conditions he encountered while practising at Amaku Hospital, now known as the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State.

Kenechukwu said that frequent power outages were a major challenge at the hospital during his time there, adding that he conducted several surgical procedures using a torchlight whenever electricity supply failed.

According to him, the situation became so persistent that medical teams routinely kept rechargeable torchlights on standby during surgeries in case of power failure.

He said the unreliable electricity supply created serious challenges for medical personnel, particularly during surgical procedures where adequate lighting is essential for the safety of both patients and medical practitioners.

The doctor also recalled what he described as poor sanitary conditions in some sections of the hospital, particularly the wards and doctors’ call rooms.

He said the condition of some of the facilities was so unpleasant that the odour made it difficult to remain comfortable inside the premises.

Kenechukwu further disclosed that during some of his night duties, he preferred to sleep in his car rather than use the doctors’ call room because of the mosquito infestation.

He said the number of mosquitoes in the doctors’ quarters was so high that spending the night in his car was a more tolerable option.

The doctor’s account highlights some of the infrastructure and welfare challenges that medical workers have historically faced in public healthcare facilities, particularly issues relating to reliable electricity, sanitation and accommodation.

While the situation described relates to the period when Kenechukwu worked at the facility, his recollection underscores the importance of maintaining healthcare infrastructure and providing medical personnel with a safe and conducive working environment.