“We Used Phone Torch for Surgery”: Waka Waka Doctor Reveals Shocking Realities of Nigeria’s Healthcare Crisis
In the dead of night, with a patient’s life hanging by a thread, a doctor grabs his phone and uses its flashlight to illuminate the operating table. This isn’t a scene from a thriller—it’s the harrowing experience shared by a Nigerian physician, highlighting the dire state of healthcare in Africa’s most populous nation.
The Nigerian healthcare crisis has reached alarming levels, with power outages, brain drain, medical challenges, and doctor migration dominating discussions. Waka Waka Doctor, a popular healthcare content creator and UK-based Nigerian physician, recently opened up about these issues on the Jay on Air podcast. His stories paint a vivid picture of improvisation born out of necessity, where basic tools become lifesavers in under-equipped hospitals.
Born and trained in Nigeria, Waka Waka Doctor—whose real name remains under wraps in public discussions—worked in local hospitals before relocating to the United Kingdom. He gained fame through social media, where he shares insights into medical life with a mix of humor and hard truths. His nickname, “Waka Waka,” draws from his energetic style, reminiscent of Shakira’s hit song, but his recent revelations are anything but lighthearted.
During the podcast, he recounted performing surgeries using nothing but phone torchlight. “We used phone torch to do surgery,” he said, describing how he held the device in his mouth while operating on patients with severe injuries like gunshot wounds or internal tears. Power failures are rampant in Nigerian hospitals, often leaving medical teams in the dark—literally. Without reliable electricity, generators are a luxury many facilities can’t afford or maintain.
But the problems run deeper. Waka Waka Doctor highlighted the lack of essential equipment, such as drip stands. In one instance, he and his colleagues fashioned stands from hanger guards—simple wire hooks meant for clothes—to administer IV fluids. These makeshift solutions, while ingenious, underscore a systemic failure in infrastructure and funding. Nigeria’s health sector has long been plagued by underinvestment, with government budgets prioritizing other areas over medical facilities.
The brain drain exacerbating this crisis is another focal point. Thousands of Nigerian doctors have fled the country in search of better opportunities, drawn to places like the UK and the United States. Waka Waka Doctor criticized Nigerian authorities for their response, noting that instead of improving salaries, working conditions, or hospital resources, they’ve focused on restricting migration. For example, policies have aimed to block nurses from obtaining international licenses, which he called a misguided attempt to stem the exodus rather than fix the root causes.
Public reactions to his story have been swift and passionate. On social media platforms and blog comments, Nigerians and diaspora communities expressed outrage. One commenter lamented the poor leadership, suggesting that even simple innovations like rechargeable lamps could help but questioning why the government hasn’t stepped up. Another described Nigeria as “an artificial company for the elites,” not a functioning nation, while a third called the country a “jungle” after experiencing life abroad. Skeptics even questioned whether unqualified practitioners are filling gaps left by migrating experts, potentially worsening patient outcomes.
For U.S. readers, this story hits close to home in several ways. The brain drain from Nigeria directly benefits American healthcare, as many skilled Nigerian doctors immigrate to the U.S., filling shortages in hospitals and clinics. According to recent reports, Nigerian professionals make up a significant portion of foreign-trained physicians in states like Texas and New York, contributing to the economy through taxes and expertise. However, this migration strains Nigeria’s system, which in turn affects global health dynamics.
Politically, the U.S. has invested billions in aid to Nigeria’s health sector through programs like USAID and partnerships with the World Health Organization. But recent developments, including U.S. policy shifts and funding suspensions in 2025, have ripple effects. For instance, cuts to infectious disease programs could hinder efforts to combat outbreaks that might spread internationally, impacting U.S. public health security. Lifestyle-wise, stories like this remind Americans of the privileges in their own system, sparking discussions on global inequality and perhaps encouraging support for international medical charities.
On the technology front, the reliance on phone torches spotlights how basic innovations could bridge gaps, but without stable power grids, even smartphones become makeshift medical tools. This contrasts sharply with U.S. advancements in telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics, highlighting opportunities for tech exports or collaborations between the two nations.
User intent here often revolves around understanding global healthcare disparities, especially for those with Nigerian roots in the U.S. or interest in international news. Managing this content means focusing on factual reporting to build trust, encouraging shares to amplify awareness.
The cycle of neglect in Nigeria’s health system shows no signs of breaking, with politicians accused of prioritizing personal gains over public welfare. Waka Waka Doctor’s tales from a decade ago mirror today’s realities, proving that lessons remain unlearned.
As power outages persist and medical challenges mount, the Nigerian healthcare crisis continues to drive doctor migration, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.
By Sam Michael
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Nigerian healthcare crisis, brain drain Nigeria, power outages hospitals, Nigerian doctors challenges, doctor migration US, medical improvisation Nigeria, Waka Waka Doctor, Jay on Air podcast, global health inequality, US aid Nigeria